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Accommodates 500 Guests. (See Hotel Directory , Chapter IX.) 
































































































































































INI T E R l\l E T 


ARCHIVE 




LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS 


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SHORES OF SACO BAY. 


A HISTORICAL GUIDE 

\ 

TO 

BIDDEFORD POOL, 

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, 
PINE POINT, 

PROUT’S NECK. 

/ 

By J. S. LOCKE. 



BOSTON: 

J. S. LOCKE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. 



‘Y<S L.8 


COPYRIGHT, 

1880, 

By J. S. Locks. 


Stereotyped at the Boston Stereotype Foundry, 
No. 4 Pearl Street. 









ERRATA. 


Pa ge 73*— 1st line read Wiscasset instead of Bath, — 8th line 
read June 16th, 1814. Page 77,— 4th line, read Stevens instead of 
Steavens, — last line read Calef instead of Caleff. 


PREFACE. 


Some travellers see and enjoy more than others. 
Those best informed enjoy most. The greater the 
knowledge of a locality the greater the pleasure of 
travel. What to one is a barren, useless tract, with 
nothing of interest, is to another a thrilling reminder 
of early warfare, heroic struggles, and daring deeds. 
What to one is a pile of moss-grown ruins is to 
another a land-mark of early history. A house, old- 
fashioned and shattered, is to one uninteresting and 
unsightly, while to another who knows its history 
it has the charm of romance. The weather-beaten 
grave-stone which one passes unheeded another 
looks upon with reverence. Nearly every spot 
along the shores of Saco Bay is hallowed by thrilling 
associations and interesting reminiscences. To pre¬ 
sent some of these in a concise form for the enter¬ 
tainment of the numerous patrons of Old Orchard, 
and Biddeford Pool, as well as to interest the gen¬ 
eral reader, and preserve from oblivion some histori¬ 
cal incidents never before published, has occasioned 
the author to issue this little volume. J. S. L. 


3 










CONTENTS 


page 

I. Early Settlements,.9 

II. Government and Laws, ..... 18 

III. Indian Wars,.24 

IV. Old Orchard Beacii, . . . . . 33 

V. Biddeford Pool and Surroundings, . . .50 

VI. Historical Houses,. 63 

VII. Ferry Beach, or Bay View, . . . .76 

VIII. Pine Point, and Prout’s Neck, ... 80 

IX. How TO REACH THE SHORES OF SACO BAY, . . 93 

Hotel Directory,. 95 


5 









TOPOGRAPHY OF SACO BAY. 

(Abridged from United States Coast Survey.) 


Saco Bay is on the coast of Maine, in latitude 43°, longitude 
70°. It is one hundred miles east from Boston, and fifteen miles 
west from Portland, and is formed by Prout’s Neck on the 
north, and Fletcher’s Neck on the south. Its width from 
Fletcher’s to Prout’s Neck is five miles. On Fletcher’s Neck 
is the village called Biddeford Pool. On Prout’s Neck are 
several summer cottages and hotels. The Bay extends into the 
land about three miles, and its shores are nearly semicircular. 
At the north, just south of Prout’s Neck, the Dunstan River, 
and at the south just north of Fletcher’s Neck the Saco River 
and Goose Fare Brook, about an equal distance between, all 
empty into this Bay. The towns of Biddeford, Saco, and 
Scarborough, are on its shores, and from the Dunstan to the 
Saco River, a distance of six miles, there is a continuous solid 
sand beach. The northern portion of the beach is in the town of 
Scarborough, and is called Pine Point. The central portion is 
called Old Orchard Beach, and from Goose Fare Brook to 
Saco River was formerly called Ferry Beach, but now known 
as West Old Orchard or Bay View ; but the whole shore 
between the Saco and the Dunstan River is known by the. 
general term of Old Orchard. 

There are several islands in the Bay. One mile and a half 
south by west of Prout’s Neck is Stratten’s Island. It is low, 
bare of trees, about half a mile long, and has a group of houses on 
the south-western end. A quarter of a mile north-west of 
Stratten’s is Bluff Island, about one hundred and fifty yards 
long, and has a cluster of trees in nearly the middle. The rest 
of the islands in the Bay are near Fletcher’s Neck. The largest 
is Wood Island j it lies off the entrance of Saco River, and forms 
a natural breakwater for the protection of Winter Harbor. It 


8 


TOPOGRAPHY OF SACO CAY. 


is four and a half miles from Prout’s Neck. It is about eight 
hundred yards long, and nearly covered with trees. On the 
eastern extremity is Wood Island Light House, which con¬ 
sists of a tower connected with the keeper’s dwelling. The tower 
is forty-seven feet high and shows a revolving red light (flashing 
every minute). The light stands sixty-two feet above the ocean 
level, and is visible for thirteen miles. A fog-bell, struck by 
machinery, is placed near the light-house, and is sounded two 
blows in rapid succession, then a pause of twenty seconds, 
followed by a single blow, and so on alternately during thick and 
foggy weather. 

Negro Island is about two hundred and fifty yards west of 
Wood Island, and at low tide is connected with it by a ledge on 
Rocky Bar. 

Stage Island is eight hundred yards west of Negro Island. 
It is four hundred yards long and entirely bare of trees. It lies 
E.NE. and W.SW., and on the north-eastern end is a monument 
built of graystone, forty feet high and surmounted by a circular 
cap. This is called Stage Island Monument, and is the day 
guide to Winter Harbor. At low tide Stage Island is connected 
with the mainland of Biddeford from Parker’s Neck by a pebbly 
bar. One quarter mile west of Stage Island is Basket Island, 
about one hundred and fifty yards in diameter. Two-thirds of a 
mile from the middle of Stage is Ram Island. It is oval in 
shape and entirely destitute of trees. It lies east and west, 
is about one hundred and fifty yards long, and is surrounded 
by shoals. Three quarters of a mile north of Ram Island is 
Eagle Island. It is about one hundred and fifty yards in 
diameter, and is one mile east from Ferry Beach. It is also 
destitute of trees, but is covered with green foliage. 

At the mouth of Saco River, extending from the northern 
shore, is a granite pier or breakwater, extending in a south by 
east direction for eleven hundred yards. The entrance to the 
river is between this breakwater and Stage Island Monument. 

No sailing directions can be given for Saco River entrance, as 
the sand bar at the entrance is constantly changing, and makes it 
necessary for strangers to take a pilot. 


Accommodates 150 Guests. (See Hotel Directory , Chapter IX.) 













































































































































































































































BLANCHARD HOUSE, 


OLD ORCHARD BEACH, ME. 



Charles Haines, .... Proprietor. 


Accommodates 200 Guests. 

(See Hotel Directory , Chapter IX.) 

















































$l\ofe$ of $h6o Sky, ^Ikrqe. 


i. 


EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 


Early Settlements. — Circumstances which led to Settle¬ 
ments. — Captain Weymouth's Voyage. — Christian¬ 
ity established. — Treacherous Conduct. — Five Na¬ 
tives stolen .— The Natives educated in England .— 
Sir Ferdinando Gorges interested in America. — 
Plymouth Company formed. — Captain Vines sent 
to Saco River. — First English Habitation .— A 
Severe Winter at Riddeford Pool. — Ancient Lease. 
— Thomas Rogers at Old Orchard. — First Importa¬ 
tion of Domestic Animals. — Steps toward Civiliza¬ 
tion. 



SINGLE pebble or a fallen leaf may turn the 


jLJL channel of the rivulet as it ripples down the 
mountain, and the river flowing from it may water 
fields and forests far opposite from its original course. 
Thus little events sometimes turn the current of 
human thought, and change the character of nations. 

The following incident, which occurred near the 
Penobscot River, led to the settlement of English 
merchantmen and explorers on the shores of 
Saco Bay: 


9 



10 SHOKES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 

In 1605 an English exploring vessel, sent out by 
King James I., and commanded by Captain George 
Weymouth, was cruising along the coast of Maine. 
Previously to this the French government had ex¬ 
plored the coast and laid claim to the lands, and the 
English government, in order to establish a claim, 
sent Weymouth on a voyage. He landed at several 
places and set up a cross in token that the Christian 
religion was to be there established, and that the 
lands were the possession of his sovereign James I. 
But Weymouth’s Christianity was contradicted by 
his subsequent treacherous conduct. While at 
anchor near the mouth of the Penobscot River, he 
with his men visited the natives in their settlements. 
They were a rude people roving through their 
primitive forests, free as the wild birds that sang 
over their heads. They had no habitations of wood 
or stone; the rude wigwam was their only shelter, 
and skins of wild beasts and braided matting their 
only covering. They had no woven fabrics or im¬ 
plements of metal. The flint-pointed spear and 
arrow, the bow from hickory or hemlock, the 
battle-axe of stone, and the heavy wooden war-club, 
were their only weapons of warfare. The English¬ 
men were astonished at this rude existence. And 
the dress, implements, and especially the fire-arms 
and the ship of the English, were equally marvellous 
to the minds of the untutored natives. They were 
friendly, though for a while timid and cautious. 
Weymouth, however, by the offer of knives and 
trinkets, allured them on board his ship, and having 


EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 


11 


invited them to the cabin, the doors were secured, and 
five t)f their chief men were thus captured by the 
treacherous Weymouth and carried to England. 
This event occurred in 1605, and led to the settle¬ 
ment at the mouth of the Saco River in 1616. On 
their arrival in England, these natives were objects 
of great admiration, and Weymouth for a time ex¬ 
hibited them for money as though they were rare 
specimens of wild animals; but Sir Ferdinando 
Gorges, a gentleman of wealth and distinction, be¬ 
came interested in them and took them into his 
family, and under his own special care taught them 
to speak the English language. They remained with 
him three years. From them he obtained a knowl¬ 
edge of the coast of Maine, which prompted him to 
make an effort to plant colonies on this shore. 
Gorges wrote: “ The more I conversed with them 

the better hope they gave me that the parts where 
they inhabited were well fitted for purposes of 
settlement, especially when I found what goodly 
rivers, stately islands, and safe harbors these parts 
abounded with.” By interesting other persons of 
distinction in the enterprise, Gorges formed an 
organization for planting colonies in America. This 
was called the Plymouth Company, and was com¬ 
posed of intelligent and sagacious men. From King 
James I., then on the English throne, they obtained 
a grant of all the land from the Hudson River to 
Cape Breton, including all the islands within one 
hundred miles of the coast. The rights of this com¬ 
pany were subsequently transferred to forty noble- 


12 SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 

men, who granted that portion which is now the 
State of Maine to Sir Ferdinando Gorges. Hence 
the right of property was transferred from the 
crown to individuals, and Gorges became the first 
individual land-owner of Maine. Explorers were 
sent out under the management of the Plymouth 
Company, but many reported the coast as unfit for 
civilized settlements, and the company became dis¬ 
couraged. Gorges alone remained undaunted. To 
test the severity of the climate, he sent a crew of 
thirty-two men, whom he says, “ he hired at great 
cost,” and gave the expedition to the direction of 
Captain Richard Vines, who arrived at the mouth 
of the Saco River in September, 1616. 

Captain Vines spent the autumn in exploring the 
coast and in traffic with the natives, who had popu¬ 
lous settlements on the Saco River. With Indian 
guides he went up the river as far as Salmon Falls, 
nineteen miles from the ocean. The forests were in 
the gorgeous robes of autumn, and no season could 
better display the grandeur of the country. The 
natives were friendly, and the explorers visited them 
in their wigwams, and upon their mats of bear-skin 
slept securely. The autumn passed pleasantly. 
The Indian summer, with its long sunny sultry days, 
came and went. The harvest moon rose round and 
full, night after night, and silvered the surface of the 
breeze-ridden ripples that played around the adven¬ 
turers’ vessel, which lay securely moored in the shel¬ 
tered harbor of the Pool. 

The natives returned from their autumnal hunting 


EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 


13 


with an abundance of furs, which, they readily 
bartered with the English for knives and trinkets. 
As the autumn wore away they gathered the corn, 
stored the venison, and spread the wigwam with the 
skins of the bear and beaver. The adventurers 
selected a place for winter-quarters. Having ex¬ 
plored all the points along the shores of Saco Bay, 
they selected a spot in Lower Biddeford on the west 
side of the Pool, a portion of land extending out into 
the water, known in local nomenclature as Lighten '$ 
Pint; but John Leighton dwelt here at an early 
period, hence the correct name, Leighton’s Point. 
Here Captain Vines erected a log cabin, built in it 
a wide fireplace and chimney from the stones 
gathered on the beach, thatched it with long grass 
gathered from the marsh, and spread for a carpet 
the fragrant boughs of the hemlock. This was the 
first habitation of civilized man upon the shores of 
Saco Bay, or within the limits of the present cities 
of Biddeford and Saco, and at this period our adven¬ 
turers had no English neighbors nearer than James¬ 
town, Virginia. The Indians prophesied a hard 
winter. The corn husks were thick and close about 
the ear; the beach and walnut burs were thicker 
than usual; the foxes were wearing thicker fur, 
and the wild geese flying early southward,—indica¬ 
ting to the superstitious natives that a cold dreary 
winter was early approaching. 

The Englishmen made themselves a secure shelter. 
Their vessel, in which their supplies were kept, was 
anchored in the Pool, and the abundance of game 


14 SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 

and fish made their circumstances, to lovers of adven¬ 
ture, all that could be desired. The winter was 
severe and the snow abundant, yet so secure and 
comfortable was the habitation of the adventurers 
that the time passed rapidly, and in the spring they 
returned to England with favorable reports of the 
country. Their trading and fishing had been a 
pecuniary success, and Gorges, who had fitted out 
the expedition, was gratified at the result. The 
place of this winter expedition received the name of 
“ Winter Harbor.” This was several years before the 
settlement of Massachusetts by the Puritans, whose 
history has been the theme of the poet and historian 
for more than two hundred and fifty years. It is 
here worthy of note that while religious motives 
prompted the Puritans to seek shelter in the wilds 
of a new country, our settlers were prompted by a 
spirit of enterprise and ambition. Had the Puritans 
been more tolerant, had they allowed others that 
freedom of conscience which they demanded for 
themselves, we could reverence their principles ; but 
the bigotry, arrogance, and uncharitableness which 
they exhibited, leads us to look with more approba¬ 
tion on the motives of our settlers. 

For seven years after this first voyage of Captain 
Vines, he with others was engaged in transporting 
colonists to this coast, and settlements were made 
along the shores of Saco Bay at several points. We 
have but few records to throw light upon the trans¬ 
actions of those years, but in 1623 there were 
several families residing on each side of the Saco 


EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 


15 


River, among whom were Richard Vines on the 
west side, and John Oldham on the east. These 
two men received from Gorges a grant of all the 
lands within the present limits of Biddeford and 
Saco. These grants (the original of which is in 
possession of the Maine Historical Society) are both 
dated February 12, 1629, and the wording shows 
that both of these men had been in the country 
seven years, and that the grant was made in con¬ 
sideration of their services in transporting hither 
colonists, and a further agreement to u transport 
hither, within seven years, fifty settlers, advance 
the interests of the country, and give strength 
against the natives and other invaders.” The lands 
were owned by the grantees, and the planters oi 
settlers who came into the country took from them 
leases for which an annual rent was paid. There is 
a record of a lease, made by Vines, for one hundred 
acres of land, for which the lessee was to pay “ five 
shillings, two days’ work, and one good fat goose, 
annually, for 1,000 years.” 

The occupation of the first settlers was principally 
fishing. This was the quickest way to get returns 
for their labor. Dried fish was readily bartered for 
goods from England and the West Indies. The 
Virginia colony, which was commenced in 1607, was 
now raising corn and grain, and the trade with them 
soon became of importance. Besides the fishing 
business, some carried on the lumber trade, and 
shingles and clapboard were shaved from the heart 
uf the primitive pines. A few engaged in farming, 


16 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


among whom was Thomas Rogers, whose farm, 
near Goose Fare Brook, became of so muchimportance 
that the early geographers designated it on the map 
as “ Rogers’ Garden.” Rogers settled here in 1638. 
The trees which he planted remained more than a 
century, and became the old orchard from which 
that place takes its name. 

In 1631 a cargo of hogs, goats, sheep, and cows 
was brought into the settlement. This was the first 
importation of cattle into the State of Maine, and 
was a valuable acquisition to the colonists. Horses, 
however, were not introduced till many years later. 
To own a horse in the early days of the colony was 
a great luxury. The settlers built their habitations 
along the shores of the ocean and on the banks of 
the rivers, so as to be accessible from the water; for 
by boat was the first means of transportation, and 
inland journeyings were on foot along the beaches, 
or by following an Indian trail through the 
woods. After a few settlements had been estab¬ 
lished on the coast, a spirit of enterprise was 
aroused in England, and nearly every month brought 
some new settlers to this shore, and Saco Bay be¬ 
came an important point. Settlers were scattered 
along the Saco and Scarborough rivers, at Black Point 
(Prout’s Neck), at Spirwink (Cape Elizabeth), and 
at Casco (Portland) ; and the Cape Porpoise, York, 
Portsmouth, and the Massachusetts colonies, with 
which our settlers soon opened correspondence, 
rapidly increased. 

There was but little money in any of the settle- 


EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 


17 


rnents. The trade was carried on by bartering one 
kind of commodity for another. The current coin¬ 
age consisted of gold and silver money of England, 
Portugal, and Spain. American coin was not made 
till 1653, when Captain John Hull was appointed 
mint-master of Massachusetts, and made silver 
shillings, six-pences, and three-pences, which soon 
passed into circulation. No saw-mills were built in 
Maine till 1653. The houses were all built of logs 
or hewn timbers. Manual labor was employed in 
everything. Machinery had not come into use. 
Household furniture and farm implements were of 
domestic manufacture. Corn was crushed in wooden 
mortars; no grist-mills were erected till several 
years subsequent. The food of the early settlers 
was principally venison and fish, and their garments 
of rude domestic fabrics or skins of wild beasts. 

These were the first efforts towards civilization. 
Awkwardly and feebly the infant angel Invention 
walked beside her stern mother Necessity ere she 
could fashion from Nature’s wild solitude aught to 
assist her on her destined way. From month to 
month she gained strength, and at the touch of her 
magic hand the defiant forests were converted into 
habitations for civilized man. The sun’s genial rays 
fell upon the fertile soil, and verdant rustling corn 
sprung up where forests had frowned and wild 
woods waved. 

2 


18 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


II. 

GOVERNMENT AND LAWS. 

Absolute Power in Maine . — First Courts . — Earliest 
Records. — Settler d Motives . — First Minister Tax . 
— Pev. Pobert Jordan. — Puritan Persecution .— 
Episcopal Service forbidden. — Parson Fletcher. — 
Religious Laws .— Whipping-Posts and Stocks .— 
Happiness in Trial. 

I T is a political maxim that no country can be pros¬ 
perous without civil rulers or some form of gov¬ 
ernment. Our colonists, recognizing this fact, made 
many rude attempts to establish a government that 
would be suited to the country and satisfactory to 
the masses. There are but few records to throw 
light upon the transactions of the first seven years. 
As the colonists had come from England, they 
brought with them the customs of the mother- 
country, and tried to govern themselves according 
to those principles. In 1623 Sir Ferdinando Gorges, 
who was absolute owner of all the lands from the 
Kennebec to the Piscataqua rivers, sent his son, 
Robert Gorges, and two other gentlemen to Saco 
River with authority “ to do what they should think 
just and fit in all cases capital, criminal, civil, and 


HOTEL BRUNSWICK, 


OLD ORCHARD BEACH, ME. 



(Accommodates 150 Guests.) 


Robinson & Get open, .... Proprietors. 

(See Hotel Directory , Chapter IX.) 






























































GOVERNMENT AND LAWS. 


19 


military.” This absolute power was the first gov¬ 
ernment of Maine. This failed, and the plan of a 
general government was adopted, and Sir Ferdinando 
Gorges was appointed governor. His government 
was not successful, and in 1636 Captain William 
Gorges was sent to the colony as governor, with 
commissions from Sir Ferdinando to several residents 
to act as councillors in the administration of affairs. 
On the arrival of the governor with the commissions 
a meeting was held in the house of Richard 
Bonython, which stood on the east side of Saco 
River, near the’lower Ferry, or just above the ter¬ 
minus of the Old Orchard Beach Railroad. This 
meeting of governor and councillors was the first 
court held in Maine, and the session lasted several 
days. It was an executive and legislative body, as 
well as judicial, and exercised a general control of 
all the affairs of the province. This form of govern¬ 
ment continued till 1652, when all the colonies in 
Maine were annexed to Massachusetts, and became 
subject to her government and protection. In 1677 
the heirs of Sir Ferdinando Gorges sold all his lands 
in Maine to the government of Massachusetts for 
£1,250, and thus Maine became fully annexed to 
Massachusetts, and remained under her jurisdiction 
till 1820, when it became an independent State. 
Land-titles given by Gorges or by the Plymouth 
Company previous to the purchase by Massachusetts 
remained inviolable, hence the settlers on the shores 
of Saco Bay held their lands under the original 
titles. 


20 SHOEES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 

The oldest town records commenced in 1653. 
These are in the city clerk’s office in Biddeford, and 
are volumes of much interest to those who would 
review the forgotten past. The petty controversies 
which were brought before the town for settlement 
are very amusing, and give us an idea of the rude 
condition of society in those early days. 

Though mercenary motives first brought our 
settlers to this coast, yet they soon acknowledged 
the claims of religion, and in 1636, by a vote of the 
settlement, a tax was raised “ for the support of a 
gospel minister.” Richard Vines and all the first 
settlers were high loyalists and stanch Episcopalians, 
and the first form of worship here was according to 
the established usages of the English Church. No 
clergyman, however, is mentioned till 1640, when 
Rev. Robert Jordan, of the English Church, came to 
Spurwinlc (Cape Elizabeth) and ministered to the 
inhabitants there and in the neighboring settlements. 
He probably held the first regular service of the 
English Church in this settlement. The baptismal 
font which he brought from England is now at 
Brunswick, in the possession of the Maine Historical 
Society. He was the ancestor of the numerous 
families of Jordans in this vicinity. His early 
ministerial experiences would form a theme for an 
interesting volume. After the colonies in Maine 
submitted to the government of Massachusetts, the 
Puritan bigotry could no longer tolerate an Episco¬ 
palian, and Robert Jordan was summoned before 
th* General Court at Boston, charged, with the crime 



GOVERNMENT AND LAWS. 


21 


of baptizing children according to the rites of the 
English Church. So great was the persecution of 
the Episcopalians by the Puritans for several years 
during the sway of Massachusetts, that Mr. Jordan 
laid aside his ministerial office. But the govern¬ 
ment again coming into the hands of the king’s 
commissioners, they being loyalists, encouraged the 
revival of the English Church, and ordered that the 
“ sacraments be administered according to the 
Church of England,” and “ the people desired Mr. 
Jordan to baptize their children.” 

It seems that for several years the Episcopal 
service was conducted in the Saco settlement by a 
layman, for in 1658 it was voted “ that Robert Booth 
should teach the Word on the Lord’s day till we 
have a better in place.” The meeting-house was at 
Winter Harbor, and in 1666 there is recorded a vote 
of the town meeting in regard to “seating the 
women in the meeting.” Mistress Maverick, Goody 
Booth, wife of Robert Booth, and Madam Phillips, 
wife of Major Williams, who built the garrison at 
Saco Falls which was destroyed in 1675, (see Chapter 
III,) were to have the most distinguished positions. 
This was a custom of the old country, as similar 
records are found in early English churches. In 
1661 Rev. Seth Fletcher, a Puritan clergyman, was 
settled here, and continued his ministrations till 
1675; he received a salary of £50, paid in fish and 
farm products, at a stipulated value. 

Parson Fletcher could not tolerate Episcopalians, 
and there was much controversy in the settlement 




SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


between the adherents of the different sects, each 
trying to hold the ascendency. A complaint was 
entered in court against Robert Booth, the Episcopal 
teacher, “ for disturbing the minister.” This probably 
arose out of his opposition to the Puritan doctrine, 
for Mr. Booth was a very worthy man, and filled 
important offices in the settlement, and for this 
offence was acquitted. 

Attendance on public worship was rigidly en¬ 
forced. “ Travelling on the Sabbath ” was punished 
by fine of 10s. A man was fined for “walking 
a mile on the Sabbath to ask another for his boat 
next week ; ” another for “ sailing out of the har¬ 
bor on the Lord’s day ; ” and another for being “ a 
common sleeper on the Lord’s day at the meeting ; ” 
and the town of Scarboro’ was fined for not having 
a minister. Notwithstanding this strict religious 
government, the inhabitants were sometimes way¬ 
ward, for a woman was fined for being a tale-bearer 
from house to house, “setting differences between 
neighbors; ” and another woman was ordered to be 
publicly whipped “ for abusing Captain Bonython 
in slanderous and unreverend speeches.” 

If an inhabitant was obnoxious to his neighbors, 
the matter was presented in town meetings. In 
1670 a vote of the townsmen “ forbids Abram Radner 
his abiding in this town.” As the name does not 
appear in town again, it is evident that Mr. Radner 
left forever. 

The stocks and the whipping-posts were con¬ 
sidered essential to the welfare of the community, 


GOVEllNMENT AND LAWS. 


23 


and continued in use down to the close of the last 
century. A vote of the settlement shows that 
Captain Samuel Jordan 
“ shall be payed 40s for 
making the town stocks.” 

The frequent changes 
of government, and the 
civil and religious con¬ 
tentions in which our 
early settlers were en¬ 
gaged, doubtless impeded THE stocks. 

their progress, but they were men of determination 
and women of fortitude ; having put the hand to 
the plough, there was no turning back. Each ad¬ 
vancement gave them comfort and hope, and they 
found enjoyment even in their hardships. Thus, 

“ Through plots and counterplots, 

Through gain and loss, through glory and disgrace, 
Along the plains where passionate discord rears 
Eternal Babel, still the holy stream 
Of human happiness glides on.” 




24 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE, 


III, 


INDIAN WARS, 


Fifty Years of Peace. — Feckless Conduct of English 
Soldiers. — Squando incensed. — Indian Council de¬ 
termines War. — First Battle. — Saco Settlement 
burnt. — Distressed Condition of the Inhabitants. — 
Scarboro ’ attacked. —The Algers. — The Millikens. — 
Dunstan. — Indians sick of TFhr, sue for Peace. — 
Treaty at Casco. — Embers of War again kindled. — 
Ten Years of Peace. — Sixty Years of War. — 
The last Indian Atrocity at Lower Biddeford .— 
Sunshine of Prosperity. 

OR more than fifty years the settlers on this coast 



X 1 lived in peace with the Indian tribes that dwelt 
on the Saco River. There were occasional private 
feuds, but they were settled without bloodshed. A 
barter trade was carried on to the mutual advantage 
of both parties. The English received the furs from 
the Indian hunter in exchange for woven fabrics and 
metal implements. Fire-arms were cautiously kept 
from them, and after Maine passed under the gov¬ 
ernment of Massachusetts there was a heavy penalty 
for selling arms or ammunition to an Indian. 
Though the English would not sell fire-arms to them, 


INDIAN WARS. 


25 


yet they could be obtained from the French who 
had settled in Canada; and the tribes, after having 
learned the use and importance of the musket, 
journeyed often through the forests to Mount Royal 
(Montreal), laden with furs which were exchanged 
with the French merchants for guns and ammunition. 
The English settlers at the Saco River, though 
living and trading peaceably with them, by way of 
precaution erected strong houses, and some were 
secured by heavy timber walls. It was well that 
this care was used, for when the Indian war com¬ 
menced it burst in sudden fury, and the unguarded 
settlements suffered severely. 

A circumstance which occurred on Saco River is 
said to have especially stirred up the tribes to attack 
the settlers. In the summer of 1675 an English 
vessel was anchored in the river. The sailors seeing 
an Indian woman with her child crossing in a canoe, 
barbarously upset it to see if Indian children could 
swim by instinct. The child sank, and the terrified 
mother, diving, brought it to the shore, but it soon 
died. This woman was the wife, and this child the 
first-born son, of Squando, a noted chief of the 
Sakoki tribe. Squando and his counsellors con¬ 
sidered this an unpardonable insult, and they deter¬ 
mined to be revenged. The western Indians, under 
Philip of Mount Hope, had conceived th» plan of 
exterminating all white settlers on the coast, and after 
this insult the eastern Indians decided to join them, 
and the settlement at Saco Falls was selected as the 
spot where the first blow was to fall. 


26 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


Burning of Saco. 

It was Saturday morning, September 18th, 1675. 
The sun rose radiantly from his ocean bed, and peer¬ 
ing over the gilded tree-tops, smiled upon the peace¬ 
ful Saco settlement. The inhabitants were busy in 
their morning avocations. The thrifty housewife 
had strained the snowy milk into the cooling wooden 
bowls. The frugal breakfast was over; the well- 
scoured floor was swept and sanded, and at the 
loom she dexterously threw the gliding shuttle, or 
drew the slender thread from the humming wheel. 
Prattling children chased the bright butterflies that 
sported on the sunny bank. The farmer toiled 
patiently and proudly amid the rustling corn. The 
echo of the woodman’s axe, the report of the 
hunter’s musket, and shrill voice of the busy saw 
singing on its way through the giant log, en¬ 
livened the settlement, and blended in rustic har¬ 
mony with the murmuring waters hewing through 
the rocky channel to the sea. 

Captain John Bonython received a hint from an 
Indian, whom he had once befriended, that several 
strange Indians were in the neighborhood, and that 
there was danger of an attack. He immediately 
spread the alarm ; all left their happy habitations 
and fled to the garrison of Major Phillips, on 
the west side of the river near where stood 
the famous covered bridge. It was built of strong 
timbers securely trunnelled together, the lower story 
a few feet smaller than the upper, so the enemy 


INDIAN WARS. 


27 


could not come to the side without being exposed to 
the muskets of those within. Scarcely were they 
secure within the garrison when Captain Bonython’s 
house, winch stood on the Saco side near Gray’s Court, 
was enveloped in flames. The siege had actually be¬ 
gun. The Indians slew the cattle, fired the houses, and 
attacked the garrison with the fury of demons. A 
discharge from the well-aimed muskets of the en¬ 
sconced settlers repulsed them. Major Phillips went 
to an upper window to watch their movements; a 
bullet from a lurking savage pierced his shoulder. 
The Indians, supposing he was killed, again rallied 
and were again driven back, for they so exposed 
themselves to the fire from the garrison that six 
were killed on the spot and others severely wounded, 
among whom was their leader, who retreated a 
short distance and fell. Seeing now that it was 
apparently impossible to take the garrison by storm, 
they set fire to the mills, supposing the men would 
come out to defend their property. But with them 
“ discretion was the better part of valor,” and they 
moved not from their stronghold, but made prepara¬ 
tions for another siege. The Indians again attacked 
them, and the firing continued through the night 
till four o’clock in the morning. The Indians then 
took a cart used at the mills, loaded it with birch- 
bark and other combustibles, set it on fire, and at¬ 
tempted to run it against the house, and with long 
poles throw fire upon the roof. While running it 
lapidly forward, one wheel struck in soft earth, which 
turned the cart and exposed the whole party to the 


28 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


fatal fire of the settlers. Fifteen were killed and 
wounded, and the survivors, sick of the assault and 
mortified at the repulse, withdrew to their canoes, and 
went down the river. Twenty-one of their number 
were killed and wounded, and Major Phillips and two 
others were wounded at the garrison. This siege 
lasted eighteen hours. It was the first battle with 
Indians on this river, and when the morning sun 
again looked for the peaceful Saco settlement it saw 
naught but smouldering ruins, while along the 
misty and mournful banks the slow ascending smoke 
hung like a funeral pall. 

Major Phillips’ garrison alone was standing. On 
Sunday morning he sent to Winter Harbor and in¬ 
formed the inhabitants of his distressed situation. 
4k His ammunition was nearly exhausted, and the 
people in great dismay. All would be obliged to 
leave in a few days unless timely aid prevented,” but 
none could be spared to assist him, and on the 
Tuesday following all removed to Winter Harbor, 
leaving the garrison unoccupied, and shortly after it 
was given to the flames by the infuriated savages. 
Thus commenced the first Indian war ; and thus 
were entirely destroyed all the first buildings at Saco 
Falls, where now stand the busy manufactories. 

There were at this time several settlers scattered 
along the river between the Falls and the Pool, 
whose houses were all destroyed, and many of the 
people slain. 

Two days after the burning of Saco, September 
20, 1675, a party of the enemy entered Scarboro* 


INDIAN WARS. 


29 


and killed several at Blue Point — a woman and 
six children of one family being among the number, 
Robert Nichols and his wife, aged people, were both 
slain and their house burnt. At Black Point, 
Andrew Alger, or Auger, lieutenant of a company, 
his brother Arthur, and two companions, were on 
an exploring excursion ; they were attacked by 
Indians in ambush ; an engagement ensued, and An¬ 
drew was mortally wounded, while Arthur was killed 
on the spot. The two Algers, or Augers, came from 
Dunster Parish, in England, in 1650, and purchased 
of the Indians one thousand acres of land in what 
is now Scarborough. Arthur had no children ; and 
John, son of Lieutenant Andrew, inherited the 
whole estate, which he transmitted to five daughters, 
one of whom, Elizabeth, married John Milliken, of 
Boston, who, in 1727, purchased the interests of the 
other heirs, established his claim, and settled with 
his family on the estate. The numerous families of 
Millikens in the vicinity descended from this John. 
Dunstan, a local name for a portion of Scarborough, is 
a corruption of Dunster, from which came the Algers, 
who were the first English settlers in that part of 
the town. 

From the first attack of the Indians our settlers 
were in great consternation ; before they could erect 
garrisons or make themselves secure, many were de¬ 
stroyed. This war, which burst upon them in sud¬ 
den fury, lasted three years before there was a cessa¬ 
tion of hostilities, and the scattered settlers at differ¬ 
ent points along the coast, from New Hampshire to 


30 SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 

the Kennebec, suffered severely. At Newichcwan- 
nock (South Berwick), in October, the heroic 
Lieutenant Plaisted, whose sad story has been so 
often related in the histories of Maine, was killed. 
At Old Orchard, near Goose Fare Brook, Thomas 
Rogers’ house was destroyed ; and nine young men, 
including a son of Mr. Rogers, were attacked by 
Indians in ambush and all killed after an heroic de¬ 
fence of several hours. Their bodies were after¬ 
wards found on the beach by the inhabitants, and 
buried near where the house stood. The settlements 
near New Hampshire were next marked for destruc¬ 
tion. On their way thither they slew several at 
Wells, and carried others into captivity. At Straw¬ 
berry Bank, now Portsmouth, they burnt several 
houses, killed six and captured several. Returning 
east, South Berwick, Salmon Falls, and Cape 
Porpoise suffered similar calamities. It was a 
reign of terror. The whole country was in arms. 
Men went to their business bearing the musket; 
and women worked with the well-charged muskets 
beside them. In the field, one farmer worked while 
another guarded the spot. At public worship the 
laymen literally watched while the clergy prayed; 
armed men sat at the end of the seats, for the pro¬ 
tection of the women. In church etiquette of to¬ 
day, the men sit nearest the aisle, a custom which 
doubtless originated in those days. 

This first Indian war, which commenced in 
September, 1675, lasted with unabated fury till the 


INDIAN WAIIS. 


81 


drifting snows of winter covered the scene, and shut 
the skulking savages in their settlements. 

Winter was unfavorable for Indian warfare, and 
the tribes, having been diverted from their usual 
pursuits during the excitement of the autumn, found 
themselves without sufficient supplies when winter 
came on. Their plunder was soon exhausted ; the 
snows were too deep for hunting, or war; anl 
without peace they saw that they must perish or 
suffer extreme famine. They therefore entered 
into a treaty, agreeing to cease hostilities and return 
all captives; and, true to their agreements, many 
who had been suffering in captivity were returned. 
This treaty, however, did not extinguish the flames 
of war; they were only smothered during the seven 
succeeding months, and in the spring were again 
rekindled. In this brief sketch the thrilling inci¬ 
dents of this war cannot be enumerated. Three 
anxious and exciting years passed, when a treaty 
was concluded at Casco (now Portland), April 12, 
1678. For ten years the angel of peace smiled upon 
the distressed and discouraged settlements; their 
crushed hopes revived, and they gained strength 
and prosperity, till the breaking out of King William’s 
war in 1688, some incidents of which are mentioned 
in another chapter. 

The history of the wars through which our pio¬ 
neers passed cannot be told in this brief sketch. 
They commenced in 1675, and lasted, with only 
occasional intervals of peace, for more than sixty 
years. The last attack of Indians upon the in- 


32 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


habitants in this vicinity was in Biddeford, near the 
first parish meeting-house, in 1747. Mr. Elliot and 
his son were slain, and Mr. William Murch was 
carried captive to Canada, where he remained till 
the next year. In this attack they first entered the 
barn of Mr. Murch and cut out the tongues of his 
cattle. He, hearing the lowing of the suffering herd, 
entered the barn, when he was overpowered by the 
secreted Indians, and taken away before assistance 
could be obtained. This was the last of the Indian 
depredations in this vicinity. The reduction of 
Louisburg, in 1745, weakened the French power. 
Indians were enfeebled by the long series of strug¬ 
gles, and the English power established its suprem¬ 
acy. Though the storms of war had chilled the 
growth of the settlement, yet, when the sunshine of 
peace fell, it quickly revived and grew with wonder¬ 
ful rapidity. 


Accommodates 150 Guests. (See Hotel Directory , Chapter IX.) 




ST. CLOUD,.Old Orchard Beach, Me. 















































































































































































Old Orchard Beach, Me. 





Accommodates 150 Guests. (See Hotel Directory , Chapter IX.) 
















































































































































































































































































OLD ORCHARD BEACH. 


33 


IV. 


OLD ORCHARD BEACH. 

Cause of Greatness. — Grandeur of the Ocean. — 
LScenes on the Shore. — Invigorating Climate. — 
Twenty-sixth of June. — A Custom of Antiquity. — 
Bowling Alley, 1818. —Ned Clemmens , the Hermit of 
Old Orchard. — E. C. Staples' House. — Regular 
Guests. — Fern Park . — Ross Woods. — Camp- 
Meeting. 



Old Orchard as it was. 


T HERE is always a cause to produce an effect; 

and the causes which have led to the greatness 
of Old Orchard are its own inherent attractions. 
Nature has here lavished her charms, and especially 
fitted the place for the distinction it receives. The 
3 







34 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


ocean is always grand and impressive : at morn, when 
the rising sun burnishes its surface with gold and crim¬ 
son ; at noon, when its blue waters blend with the 
distant sky; at evening, when the rosy sunset lin¬ 
gers upon its waves, and tints the light clouds that 
float like fairy chariots above it; and at night, when 
the moon overspreads its surface with spangles of 
silver. The eye is always charmed with the gran¬ 
deur of ocean scenes, and the ear is filled with the 
melody of the breeze-touched waves as they play 
gently upon the beach, or dash with tremendous 
power, in the hands of the tempest, “ swelling the 
profound eternal bass in Nature’s anthem.” 

There is pleasure in watching the distant ocean, 
bearing upon its swelling surface the swift-winged 
crafts of pleasure, the steam-propelled palaces of 
travel, and the white-robed ships of commerce. 
They come and go, pass and repass, bearing an 
exchange of thoughts and commodities from country 
to country, travelling continually upon this mighty 
highway of nations. 

Not only the ocean, but the land here has its 
charms. Old Orchard is a crescent-shaped shore, 
six miles in length — a smooth, solid, prairie-like 
beach sloping gently to the water, and the heavy 
rolling waves, rising continually in the distant 
depths, chase each other in regular succession, and 
dash upon the beach their foam-crested heads. 
There are no dangerous under-currents or treach¬ 
erous quicksands in these waves, and at low tide 
the beach is a smooth, solid driving-course, upon 


OLD ORCHARD BEACH. 


35 


which hundreds of carriages may pass and repass 
without interruption. During the pleasure season 
thousands here assemble to engage in seaside sports ; 
nothing can exceed the gayety and joyousness of 



the scene. For miles, gay equipages throng this 
wave-washed highway, and the surf is alive with 
jubilant bathers. The sportive find lively recrea¬ 
tions, and the meditative find subjects for moral and 
elevating reflections. 

The jaded toilers, released from the tread-mill 
of daily dufies, come here to throw off their bur¬ 
dens and repair their labor-worn lives. The change 
of scene, the climate, the baths, the food, and the 
social contact, all contribute to their needs, and 
revive their enervated natures; but especially are 
they benefited by the climate. 

Recent scientific investigation has shown that 
ozone, a peculiar element of the atmosphere, is 
found most abundantly upon the tops of high moun- 










36 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


tains and at the sea-shore. The constant inhaling 
of this element gives an especially healthy tone to 
the human system. The robust forms and ruddy 
features of mountain and seaside inhabitants are 
attributable to this cause. At Old Orchard the. air 
is said to be especially charged with this invigo¬ 
rating element. Those suffering from diseases of 
the throat and lungs have been benefited by even a 
brief sojourn in this cool and strengthening climate. 

Twenty-sixth of June. 

The twenty-sixth of June has for many years 
been a gala day at the Beach. There used to exist 
a popular tradition that on this day the waters of 
the ocean were especially endowed with healing 
properties, that at this time they were “ troubled,” 
and “ whoever stepped in was cured of whatsoever 
disease he possessed.” This led thousands of the 
credulous and superstitious to flock to these shores 
to be healed. Old age came to be rejuvenated, 
middle age to be strengthened, and childhood and 
infancy must be u dipped ” annually to insure safety 
against disease and death. ' From the surrounding 
country, back for many miles, came, early on the 
morning of this day, vehicles of every description, 
bearing the “withered, the halt, and the blind,” 
and every other character and condition of humanity, 
who reverently plunged or were “ dipped ” in the 
rolling breakers of Old Orchard. Many are the 
accounts of the credulous who have been cured or 
benefited by bathing on this day. 


OCEAN HOUSE, 

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, ME. 



John Lindsey, Proprietor 

Accommodates 300 Guests. 

(See Hotel Directory , Chapter IX.) 










OLD ORCHARD BEACH. 


87 


This custom is of great antiquity: it goes "back to 
the mystic ages of mythology, to those days when 
wells, pools, or fountains were consecrated to various 
gods, goddesses, and nymphs, and considered sacred. 
At each body of water was supposed to preside some 
nymph or goddess, to please whom devotees made 
offerings, or bathed in its waters. The Romans 
celebrated a religious feast, called Fontinalia , in 
honor of the “nymphs of wells and fountains.” 
Floweis were carried to the fountains by young men 
and maidens, wreaths and bouquets were thrown 
into them and scattered about the shore; and those 
upon whom the waters were sprinkled were con¬ 
sidered under the especial care of the patron nymph. 

The Greeks had their sacred fountains. There 
was one in Laconia sacred to Juno, and many others, 
some of which were supposed to have healing 
properties, and others to be of a prophetic nature. 
From the figures portrayed upon a mirror dipped in 
a fountain the Greeks thought they obtained notice 
of coming good or evil. 

When Christianity began to dispel the customs 
of mythology, waters, which had been considered 
sacred to some tutelary god or goddess, were dedi¬ 
cated to some church saint and called by his name. 
These fountains are still common throughout 
Europe, especially in the British Isles. Even now, 
in Ireland and Scotland they are considered sacred 
by many, who visit them annually to be partakers 
of their healing waters. The early settlers on this 
coast came from England and Ireland, and with 


38 SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 

them came the customs of the old country. There 
is a blind deference for old usages, which continues 
them in practice long after their original significance 
is forgotten, and this led our early settlers to con¬ 
tinue their annual visits to some body of water. As 
the ocean at Old Orchard seemed more impressive 
than any other waters in the vicinity, this beach 
became the place for holding their Fontinalia , or 
Festival of Waters. 

The first settlers visited the beach on the 24th of 
June, St. John the Baptist’s day. But when it was 
ordered that “ there should be one General Court 
holden at Saco for the whole Province of Maine, 
every year on the 25th of Juue,” it changed the day. 
The court brought people from all parts of the 
province. It was a great day in Maine. Those 
who came attended court on the 25th and rested 
from their journey, and the day following they 
visited the ocean to bathe. Thus the celebration, 
which formerly occurred on the 24th, was carried 
forward two days, and the 26th of June became the 
celebrated bathing-day at Old Orchard. It is not 
now kept with the same superstitious regard as 
formerly; but, it being the most leisure season in 
the agricultural districts, the inhabitants still keep 
up the custom of visiting the beach on this day. 
Many hotel guests arrive at this time, and it may be 
considered the opening of the pleasure season. 

As early as 1820, Mr. William Scammon, a 
grandson of Rev. John Fairfield, first minister of 
Saco, came to Old Orchard and took the Fairfield 


OLD OKCHABD BEACH. 


39 


residence, which stood where now is the Old 
Orchard House, and opened it for the entertainment 
of transient guests. The house is now standing on 
the beach, and is known as Camp Comfort. Mr. 
Scammon erected a Bowling Alley at the east end 
of the house, and his patronage was from Saco and 
Biddeford society, which made this the terminus for 
sleighing parties and summer drives. An aged 
lady, now living, remembers the gay companies 
which assembled. There is no record of any public 
place for entertainment at Old Orchard proper, 
previous to this. 



Ned Clemmens, 


The Hermit of Old Orchard. 

In the early summer of 1845 a stranger made his 
appearance at the Thornton House, then a leading 


40 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


hotel in Saco. In a small town or village the 
arrival of a stranger is always an event to excite 
the curious and arouse gossip. The stranger was 
reticent in regard to his own history, but in general 
conversation was a “ fellow of infinite jest and most 
excellent fancies. ,, His genial deportment soon 
won him many friends, and so peculiar were his 
features and manners that those who once saw him 
never forgot him. In music he was accomplished, 
and often beguiled his unemployed hours with the 
melodious strains of the flute. From his apt quota¬ 
tions he exhibited a knowledge of the dramatic 
poets and classic authors, and his acquaintance with 
American scenery and cities showed that he had ac¬ 
quired much knowledge from careful observation in 
extensive travel. His versatility of talent told that 
he was a genius of peculiar originality. Superior 
merit is often unappreciated, and pearls are trampled 
under foot by those who know not their value. 
Thus the stranger’s talent had been unrewarded, and 
poverty was the only return for his genius. In his 
destitute condition he sought assistance from the 
proprietor of the hotel, who aided him in introducing 
a new institution for Saco. Up to this time bathing 
had been but a private luxury—the river or the 
ocean affording the only public bath. But the first 
bathing-houses were by him established under the 
Thornton House, which he conducted with but 
limited patronage till the house was burnt in 1851. 
For a time this darkened his prospects, but like the 
fabled phoenix he soon arose from his ashes and 


OLD ORCHARD BEACH. 


41 


alighted with his bathing-tubs in the basement of 
the Cataract Block. To his bathing enterprise he 
here added “victualling and oysters,’* and his place 
became the resort for those who sought palatable re¬ 
freshments — turtle-soup being a specialty, in the 
preparation of which he exhibited a marvellous talent. 
It is told that a massive turtle was exhibited on 
the street for several days, labelled “Turtle Soup, 
Friday evening.” Epicures passing read the invit¬ 
ing notice, and daily sharpened their appetites with 
pleasant anticipations. At length the longed for 
evening came, and a large company assembled, 
sipped their soup, and satisfied their eager appetites. 
Many were the compliments and commendations 
which these epicures heaped upon their host, all 
bearing testimony to the “ superiority of his turtle- 
soup.” 

The next morning came, and in the same spot 
stood the tortoise. The epicures “ waxed desperate 
with imagination.” They had surely feasted on 
turtle-soup, yet no other turtle had been in town. 
Like the ghost in Hamlet, “it lifted up its head and 
addressed itself to motion,” “like as it would some 
impartment make;” but it “ dared not tell the 
secrets of its prison house; ” yet the secrets all leaked 
out from the wag who had stolen him the night be¬ 
fore to prevent the soup being served. 

Invention, which always comes to the relief of 
necessity, aided our host in his extremity, and rather 
than disappoint his patrons, he served soup from 
something else, and his guests went away satisfied. 


42 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


But neither cook-books nor history have recorded 
the composition of that soup. Bathing-rooms and 
restaurants were not enough to satisfy our versatile 
genius, and he collected a natural-history museum, 
which he added to the attractions of his place ; in 
the construction of shell ornaments he exhibited 
superior taste. 

By the death of a brother in a distant State, who 
was an artist of distinction, he inherited a panoramic 
painting of the river Rhine. This to a person of his 
taste was an acceptable inheritance, and into the 
exhibition business he at once entered, and gave 
entertainments in Biddeford, Saco, and suburban 
towns. 

His love of nature, and love of romance, led him 
to Old Orchard, and upon the sandy beach where 
the ocean hangs its veiling mists, in the fragrant 
whispering pines near the present Sea-shore House, 
he erected a small structure which he rudely fur¬ 
nished, and ornamented with natural-history speci¬ 
mens. This was called the 44 Old Orchard Retreat.” 
Here he dwelt alone; was proprietor, manager, and 
servant, and with a simple bill of fare, principally 
chowder, he entertained his patrons. One hungry 
party tells of a well-relished dinner there, each 
course of which consisted of potatoes and salt. 
Picnics and pleasure parties sought this retreat, and 
for several summers it was the only place of enter¬ 
tainment near the ocean. He supplied bathing suits 
for his patrons, but his limited capital compelled 
him to make them of the cheapest material, 


LAWRENCE HOUSE 

Old Orchard Beach, Me. 



E. W. Barton, .... Proprietor. 

Accommodates 150 Guests. 


(See Hotel Directory, Chapter IX.) 















LIVING HOUSE, .... Old Orchard Beach, Me. 





Accommodates 175 Guests. (See Hotel Directory, Chapter IX.) 






















































































































































































































































































































OLD ORCHARD BEACH. 


43 


and his suits were sometimes too thin to endure the 
fury of the waves. His dinners were said to be 
palatable, though his scanty supply of culinary 
utensils forced him to cook everything in the same 
dish. Notwithstanding the destitute furnishings of 
the “ Old Orchard Retreat,” or “ Astor House ” 
as he sometimes termed it, yet it was popularly 
known to all beach visitors, and was the first struc¬ 
ture on the shore. Here he engaged in literary 
labor, and issued a newspaper called the “ Goose 
Fare Guide, and Old Orchard Bellows.” Not a 
copy is now known to exist, but it is acknowledged 
to be the first “ Guide ” to these shores, and the 
“Bellows” which first blew for Old Orchard. Its 
proprietor, with prophetic inspiration, told what 
would surely come. That Old Orchard would be 
the “ illustrious ” place of New England ; that rail¬ 
roads would traverse its shores; lightning communi¬ 
cations would open it to the whole world, and every 
summer pleasure-seekers would flock to its shores 
like doves to their windows. But these prophecies 
were unheeded, and those whom he exhorted to in¬ 
vest capital here only laughed at his chimerical 
ideas. Those who are in advance of their age are 
al ways the objects of ridicule, and it falls to subse¬ 
quent time to record the truth of their prophecies. 
Thus with him : almost a city has arisen around 
where his rude structure stood. Crowds come and 
go ; the “ gay laugh and the solemn brood of care 
plods on,” each chasing his favorite phantom. But 
the lone settler, the hermit, the prophet, lived not to 
see his bright dreams fulfilled. 


44 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


In his last clays, to confiding friends he told the 
story of his life. He was born in Philadelphia, 
1810; was there educated for a dramatic life, and 
for several years acted in that profession. In the 
early days of Ethiopian minstrelsy he bore many 
distinguished parts, and was with Barnum in the 
organization of his popular exhibition. An early 
disappointment in his matrimonial prospects caused 
him to leave his native State and seek an abode 
among strangers. To Philadelphia he never re¬ 
turned. None of his kindred were near to soothe 
his last moments, yet he found kind friends to 
minister to his necessities and close his eyes to 
earthly scenes. He died June 28, 1865; and on 
June 30, as the afternoon sun shed its slanting rays 
and lengthened the solemn shadows of the drooping 
elms, in Saco’s silent cemetery a few friends laid in 
its last resting-place all that was mortal of Edward 
B. Clemmens. 

Though Old Orchard, which is a suburb of the 
city of Saco, and embraces the Atlantic coast line 
from Saco River in the town of Scarboro’, had for 
nearly two centuries been the favorite resort on 
June 26tli, and a popular bathing-place for those in 
the vicinity, j^et it never began to receive distant 
patronage till about 1840. In 1837, however, a few 
individuals, impressed with the beauty of the beach 
and the invigorating climate, besought E. C. Staples, 
the present proprietor of the Old Orchard House, 
to furnish them with board during the summer. Mr. 
Staples dwelt in a plain farm-house, the home of his 


OLD ORCHARD BEACH. 


45 


ancestors. This house has been remodelled into the 
Staples’ Cottage. It stood near where it now stands, 
and is more than a century old. The first boarders 
were charmed with the place, and the next year 
brought more than the house could accommodate. 

Among the early patrons of Mr. Staples were 
gentlemen and their families from Montreal, who 
came the whole distance in their own private car¬ 
riages. The Portsmouth and Portland Railroad was 
opened in 1842, and the Grand Trunk from Mon¬ 
treal to Portland in 1852. These brought passen¬ 
gers to Saco Station within four miles of the Beach, 
and from that time the demand for hotel accommoda¬ 
tion increased with great rapidity. 

Mr. Staples commenced to build additions to his 
house, and from year to year continued to enlarge, 
until the Old Orchard House, accommodating three 
hundred guests, had been erected. This was 
popular and prosperous till destroyed by fire, July 
21, 1875. Boarding-houses and hotels have been 
increasing and enlarging for several years, and now 
there are more than thirty, with accommodations 
for four thousand guests. 

The new Old Orchard House was erected in 1876, 
and has accommodations for five hundred guests. 

Elisha Staples, the grandfather of Ebenezer C., 
was a descendant of a Staples of Kittery. He 
came from Biddeford to Old Orchard about 1790. 
His son, Elisha, whose wife was Elizabeth Cole, was 
the father of Ebenezer C. Staples, who was born 
INI arch 8, 1808. His early life was spent upon the 


46 SHOIIES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 

ocean; but having more love for the old home¬ 
stead than for adventure, he abandoned the sea, 
and settled as a shoemaker at Old Orchard. Having 
inherited his father’s estate, he engaged in farming, 
and carried on the two professions till the beginning 
of his hotel career, in 1840. Mrs. Staples was 
Eliza I. Buker, of Biddeford. They were married 
in 1880. Both Mr. and Mrs. Staples were inhe¬ 
rently adapted to the hotel business. Their courtesy 
made their house popular; and guests who once 
came returned annually, as regularly as “the swal¬ 
lows homeward fly.” Among many who have made 
this their summer home should be mentioned Thomas 
G. Bradford, Esq* who is now spending his thirty- 
first summer in their house. Colonel Benton wrote 
“ Thirty Years in the Senate,” and it remains for 
Mr. Bradford to write his “ Thirty Years at Old 
Orchard.” 

Doubtless Mr. Staples, in early life, never dreamed 
that his quiet sea-side home would become the gay 
centre of fashion and culture —that his fern-covered 
pastures and sandy shores would become the 
“ Cottage City” of Maine. But from year to year 
he has been awake to the developing possibilities, 
and has actively kept pace with the progress of time. 

Fern Park. 

The ocean and the beach are not the only attrac¬ 
tions at Old Orchard. There is an inland scenery 
of marsh, meadow, field, forest, and flourishing 
* Of Boston. 



Ebenezer C. Staples 





















OLD ORCHARD BEACH. 


47 


farms; and Fern Park, a short distance from the 
hotels, is a place of great natural beauty. It is a 
dense forest of hard wood and evergreen trees, 
through which walks and avenues have been laid 
out, and rustic arbors erected. This was done 
under the direction of Mr. Bull, one of the early 
patrons of the Old Orchard House,—a man of great 
taste and refinement, who spent much time in this 
charming place. The mottoes which he erected 
over the arbors and along the avenues, remain 
memorials of his poetic genius and refinement. 

In this natural park are found many of the wild 
flowers of Maine, and the botanist here has facili¬ 
ties for pursuing his interesting studies. Those 
who gather flowers simply because they love them, 
find here pleasure in hunting out and bringing to 
human admiration the little bright-eyed blossoms 
that in the dark depths of the forest were “ born to 
blush unseen, and waste their sweetness on the 
desert air.” Here, like a cluster of corals in an 
emerald setting, grows the bright bunch-berry, and 
the partridge-vine and sweet tiny twin-flower twine 
the moss-covered logs. The modest violet, the deli¬ 
cate star-flower, and the fragrant checkerberry 
flourish here, and from the abundance of lichens 
and ferns the place is appropriately called Fern 
Park. A visit to this Park lifts the soul to high 
and holy thoughts, and “ it there looks up through 
nature to nature’s God.” It is about one fourth of a 
mile from the beach, on the Saco road, directly oppo¬ 
site the grounds of the Camp-Meeting Association. 


48 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


Orchard Beach Camp-Meeting Association. 

In July, 1873, an association was formed under 
this title, with Rev. I. Luce, President, which pur¬ 
chased a tract of land, containing about fifty acres, 
within half a mile of the beach. A large portion of 
this was covered by a dense forest of oak, maple, 
and pine, in which was a valley forming a natural 
amphitheatre. In this the Association erected con¬ 
venient seats for the accommodation of seven 
thousand worshippers. At the centre of this stands 
the speaker’s desk, and so remarkable are the 
acoustic properties of the place that throughout this 
vast auditorium the voice of an ordinary speaker 
can be distinctly heard. It seems as if Nature de¬ 
signed this place especially for camp-meetings. 
Around this auditorium are erected tents and cot¬ 
tages. Many families spend the whole season there. 
The grounds of the Association are regularly laid 
out in streets and avenues. On many of the cottage 
lots buildings are already erected, and others are 
inviting purchasers. There are no sea-side resorts 
that offer more social and religious advantages than 
Old Orchard. During 1879, from July 16th till 
September 1st, there will be five camp-meetings, at 
which will be present the best talent and highest 
culture of the country. 

The present officers of the Association are: 
President, Rev. I. Luce; Secretary, Rev. D. B. 
Randall; Treasurer, M. G. Palmer, Esq. With 
these gentlemen, any business with the Association 
may be transacted. 


Accommodates 500 Guests. (See Hotel Directory, Chapter IX.) 







OLD ORCHARD HOUSE,. Inland Front 
























































































































































































































































































PLEASANT HOUSE, 


OLD ORCHARD BEACH, ME. 



Mrs. Sarah D. Moulton, Proprietress. 


Accommodates 150 Guests. 

(See Hotel Directory, Chapter IX.) 









































































































OLD ORCHARD BEACH. 


40 


To accommodate the patrons of the camp-meet¬ 
ings, the Boston and Maine Railroad has erected a 
depot (Camp-Ground Station) a short distance from 
the ground, at which all passengers for the camp- 
meetings should leave the trains. 

The Ross Woods. 

One of the thoroughfares leading “ up town,” or 
to Saco Falls, passes two miles through a dense 
woodland landscape. A forest of pine, spruce, and 
hemlock, interspersed with birch, oak, and maple, 
walls the highway on either side, and in some 
places overshadows it with projecting branches. 
The carriage-track is closely bordered by ferns and 
foliage, and in summer the hedges are bright with 
the wild rose and laurel; as the summer declines, 
the golden-rod and purple asters appear, waving their 
bright sceptres, prophetic of approaching autumn. 

Nothing can be more charming than a drive 
through these woods at approaching sunset. The 
light pierces the treetops with its slender golden 
arrows, and falls here and there in little gilded oases 
among the dark shadows. The still air is fragrant 
with the odor of sweet-scented pines, and vocal with 
voices of birds; — the robin chants his measured 
requiem, the whippoorwill sings a melodious lullaby, 
and the echoing voice of the thrush reverberates 
through the still forest. Whoever, at this enchant¬ 
ing hour, is favored with a drive through these 
woods, will find it a rare enjoyment, and ever feel 
thankful that the vandal hand of civilization has 
spared this fascinating forest. 


50 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE, 


y. 

BIDDEFORD POOL AND SURROUNDINGS. 

'Variety of Scenery. — Early Settlers. — Uncle Chris¬ 
topher. — Chris. — Hunkers. — Quakers. — Intolerant 
Laws. — Parson Fletcher. — Daniel Holman. — Fort 
Hill. — Distressed Condition of the Settlers. — Letters 
from Major Frost. — Ship-building. — Wine Drink¬ 
ing. — Funeral Expenses. 

N one of the 

sea - side re¬ 
sorts offer more va¬ 
riety for recreation 
than the Pool. 
Those who love to 
review the histori¬ 
cal past here find 
interesting localities 
around which clus¬ 
ter thrilling associ¬ 
ations. Those who 
would engage in 
sailing or fishing 
will always find safe 
yachts w r ith com¬ 
petent command¬ 
ers ; and as a yacht¬ 
ing port, in rough 
or foggy weather, 



Biddeford Pool. 











Accommodates 300 Guests. (See Hotel Directory, Chapter IX.) 



HIGHLAND HOUSE, .... Biddeford Pool, Me. 















































































































































































































BIDDEFORD POOL AND SURROUNDINGS. 51 

there is no place more secure than the land¬ 
locked harbor of “the Pool.” Those who seek 
solitude can find here secluded spots where none 
will disturb their meditations. Those who love to 
promenade the sandy shore, or bathe in the rolling 
surf, find here a solid sand-beach with artificial 
security against danger. Around the rough ragged 
clifts of the eastern shore there is wonderful sublim¬ 
ity in the furious dashing of the continuous waves. 
Here lovers of nature can drink in the majesty of 
the ocean ; and at the hotels, lovers of gay society 
can find intelligent and cultured companions. 

Among the early settlers at the Pool, or on “ the 
Neck,” was Bachelor Hussey, who came from Nan¬ 
tucket, where he had been engaged in the whale- 
fishery. He was a descendant of Christopher Hussey, 
who came from England in 1634 and settled in Lynn, 
Mass. In 1734 Bachelor Hussey purchased Wood 
Island, and one half of “ the Neck,” of Pendleton 
Fletcher, and in 1737 built the house where Mrs. 
Christopher Hussey now lives. The original house 
was the old-fashioned hip-roof style, built of strong 
timbers, with large chimney and immense fireplaces. 
The fourth generation of the family are now living in 
this house. Christopher, grandson of Bachelor, and 
his wife, who was Eunice Cole of Berwick, were the 
first to entertain visitors or pleasure parties at the 
Pool, and may be considered the pioneers of the 
hotel business at this place. Mr. Hussey died in 
1834, and his wife survived him till 1851. There 
are many persons, now advanced in life, who remem- 


52 SHORES OP SACO BAY, MAINE. 

ber them with pleasure, and speak of the jovial 
times at Uncle Christopher’s — of his genial hospi¬ 
tality, and of her motherly solicitude for tlieir com¬ 
fort. One mentions her cheerful sweet face under 
mob-cap and huge black-bowed spectacles as she in¬ 
quired if “ thee is comfortable, or will thee be helped 
}o anything.” Christopher, Jr., or “Chris,” suc¬ 
ceeded his father in the entertainment of visitors at 
the Pool. He inherited his parents’ hospitality as 
well as the old homestead, and for the last forty-five 
years all visitors to the Pool have heard of good 
times and dinners at “Chris” Hussey’s. Mr. 
Hussey died in 1876, and his widow, who was Mary 
Goldthwait, and her two daughters, continue the 
hotel business at the old Mansion House, and enter¬ 
tain their visitors in the same hospitable manner as 
their predecessors. 

Another early settler on the extreme north side 
of the Neck was Bachelor Bunker, who came from 
Nantucket about the time that Bachelor Hussey set¬ 
tled here. He engaged in trade, and kept a store of 
general merchandise. At this period there was 
quite a heavy business carried on at this place in 
trade with the numerous fishermen who came to this 
port. The account-books of Bachelor Bunker are 
still in existence, and exhibit the transactions in 
those days ; and the house which he erected more 
than a century ago is still standing and occupied by 
a descendant of the family. 

Another grandson of Bachelor Hussey was John, 
who also settled on the Neck, nearly back of the High- 


BIDDEFORD POOL AND SURROUNDINGS. 


53 


land House. His wife was Sarah Tarbox. They 
commenced to entertain visitors at the Pool about 
thirty years ago, and continued till a recent date. 
Mr. John Hussey died June 4, 1876, and his wife, 
May 26, 1880. Their heirs have recently sold the 
estate to Fred. T. Brown, Esq., of New York. Mr. 
Brown has erected a large structure, which is to be 
opened for a hotel during the present season. 

The Husseys and Bunkers, and a family of 
Coffins, who also came from Nantucket, were 
Quakers. They held meetings, and taught the 
doctrines of that sect. They were excellent, upright 
people, and were much respected in the community, 
though Parson Fletcher, under whose doctrine most 
of the inhabitants had been reared, was bitterly 
opposed to Quakers and their teachings. Fletcher 
was a Puritan, and that sect strenuously endeavored 
to crush the Quakers. The following laws, made 
by the Puritans of Massachusetts previous to 1700, 
shows the religious intolerance at that period : 

“ Who ever knowingly brings a Quaker (into the 
colony) is imprisoned till he pays or gives security 
for ,£100 and carries him away again. 

“ Who ever conceals a Quaker pays 40s. an 
hour, or lie in Prison till he does. 

“ Quakers, not inhabitants, to be imprisoned till 
the Court of Assistants, and then banish’d, not to 
return on pain of Death. 

“ Vagabond Quakers are whipt through the Towns 
not exceeding three, and conveyed out of the juris* 
diction. If any return after three Times, they are to 
be in the House of Correction till the County Court, 


54 SHORES OP SACO BAY,' MAINE. 

branded with the letter R on the left shoulder, and 
whipped as before. If they return after this, to be 
banished on pain of Death. 

“ If any turn Quaker they are to be banished the 
jurisdiction, and served as vagabond Quakers if they 
return.” 

Parson Fletcher writes, that “ a Quaker’s living or 
dj’eing as a Quaker (without repentance) must find 
out a new Gospel which may aford them hope of 
salvation, for, from what God has revealed in his 
holy Word, there is no Salvation for them.” Not¬ 
withstanding the teachings of Parson Fletcher, and 
the stringent laws of Massachusetts, the Quakers at 
Winter Harbor maintained a good report through 
life, and have doubtless “ gained a better inheri¬ 
tance.” 


Daniel Holman, 

Was the son of John, of York, where he was 
born, October, 1797. His mother was Margaret 
Haley, of Biddeford. He came to the Pool in 1823, 
and in 1825 married Hannah Tarbox, who on her 
mother’s side was a great-granddaughter of Pendle¬ 
ton Fletcher, from whom the place receives its 
name. Mr. Holman engaged in fishing and farming 
during the summer, and in winter taught school in 
the rural districts of York County. His first “ cer¬ 
tificate,” dated 1820, is signed by Nathaniel Webster 
(who was pastor of the first church in Biddeford 
from 1779 till 1828), and five others of the commit¬ 
tee, and asserts that he was “ qualified to teach the 


Daniel Holman 


















































' 























Accommodates 150 Guests. (See Hotel Directory , Chapter IX.) 
















































































































































































































































































































































































































































BIDDEFORD POOL AND SUE POUNDINGS. 55 

English language grammatically.” The pupils of Mr. 
Holman remember, and often speak of his thorough¬ 
ness as a teacher and disciplinarian. In 1845, the 
Pool having become known abroad as an attractive 
watering-place, and there being demand for more 
accommodations for its patrons, Mr. Holman com¬ 
menced to entertain guests in his house, which was 
a small, plain, one-story structure on the high land 
just west of the “ Highland House.” His demands 
for rooms were so great that he added others, and 
from year to year, to keep pace with his constantly 
increasing patronage, he made additions and built 
new structures, till in 1850 he completed the “ High¬ 
land House ” which stood on the spot of the present 
structure, and conducted it with great popularity 
till his death. He was a man of wonderful energy 
and industry, and thoroughly honest and exact in all 
his dealings. He was always much interested in the 
prosperity of the community, and active in all affairs 
of the church and municipality, and was a member 
of the city government for several years. His 
numerous patrons, from all parts of the United 
States and the Provinces, remember his earnest efforts 
to minister to their comfort and pleasure. Mrs. 
Holman always seemed to shed a motherly influence 
about the house, which made their guests to feel that 
they were at home among faithful friends. Mr. 
Holman died July 11, 1878, and his wife on the 15th 
of the same month. Both will be remembered as 
having filled an important place in the history of 
Biddeford Pool. 


56 


SHOIIES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


Fort Hill. 

On the high point of land just opposite the steam¬ 
boat landing at the Pool, or across the “ gut,” at 
the terminus of Parker’s Neck, is Fort Hill. Here 
are now to be seen traces of a fortification which 
was erected in the early part of King William’s war^ 
which commenced in 1688 and lasted ten years. 
This war arose between England and France, and 
their colonies in America became involved in it. 
The Indians allied themselves to the French, and 
by them were furnished with arms and ammunition 
with which to fight the English. Fort Mary, during 
the greater part of this war, was commanded by 
Captain John Hill, son of Roger Hill who settled in 
Biddeford, near the mouth of Saco River, in 1653. 
The sandy shore on the west side of the Saco, neai 
its mouth, where several summer cottages have been 
recently erected, is from him called Hill’s Beach. 
This fort was the centre of many thrilling scenes 
and romantic adventures. In 1689, on the breaking 
out of the war, a military company was organized 
here, and John Hill received, from Thomas Danforth, 
Deputy Governor of Massachusetts, a commission as 
ensign of the company. For a while, under Colonel 
Benjamin Church, the distinguished “ Indian killer,” 
he was ordered to “ scout, and to command the 
twenty soldiers quartered at Saco.” At Wells, ic 
1692, Ensign Hill distinguished himself in an en¬ 
gagement with French and Indians, and in con¬ 
sideration of heroic conduct was promoted to 


BIDDEFORD POOL AND SURROUNDINGS. 57 

Lieutenant and subsequent^ to Captain. While at 
South Berwick, under command of Major Charles 
Frost, whose garrison was at Kittery, he became 
acquainted with and married the Major’s daughter, 
Mary, in 1694. Some suppose he named this fort in 
honor of Mary, his wife ; others claim that it was in 
honor of Mary, wife of William, Prince of Orange, 
who together were the reigning English sovereigns 
at that time. During this war, so distressing was 
the condition of the inhabitants in this vicinity, that 
many were obliged to leave their new homes and 
seek protection in the stronger settlements west. 
Those, however, who could be protected in forts 
and garrisons remained. In this fort were several 
families; among the women was Captain Hill’s 
mother, who remained with her son. Her husband, 
who was in Wells, wrote, in care of Captain John 
Hill, at Fort Mary, Saco, as follows: 

Wells, May 7, 1690. 

Dear and Loving Wife : These are to let you know that 
we are all well here, blessed be God for it; and all our children 
remember their duty to you. The Indians have killed Goodman 
Frost and James Littlefield, and carried away Nathaniel Frost, 
and burnt several houses here at Wells, and I would have our 
son John Hill hire a boat, if he can, to bring you and some of our 
things by water, for I fear it is not safe to come by land. Son 
John, be as careful of your mother as possibly you can, for it is 
very dangerous times. The Lord only knows whether we shall 
ver see one another any more. Praying for your prosperity, 
Your loving husband until death, 

Roger Hill. 

It seems that as the war went on the inhabitants 


58 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


became more distressed, and there was danger that 
the Saco settlement would be entirely abandoned. 
Fort Mary w r as considered in danger, and this 
seemed to be the last stronghold for the people in 
the vicinity. The following letter gives a graphic 
idea of the country’s condition : 

Wells, August 13, 1696. 

Son Hill : I am now at Wells with twenty horse, intending 
to come over to you, but hearing of several guns about your 
parts I have sent over three men to know how it is with you. I 
have an order from the Governor to assist you in drawing off; 
and I have an order from the Lieutenant-Governor to draw off 
and bring away what can be transported by land, and to hide the 
rest in the ground with the guns ; but our towns are so weak for 
want of men that if the enemy be about you we fear we are too 
weak to bring you off. .... Our people are much troubled 
that your fort should be demolished. Let me hear from you by 
bearer. My love to yourself and wife. I pray God to keep you 
from the rage of the enemy. 

I remain, your loving father-in-law, 

Charles Frost. 

*Tis said six Indians were seen here this day. 

“ To Captain John Hill, at Saco Fort. 

Haste, Post Haste.” 

The above letter, with many others of a similar 
character, addressed to “ Captain John Hill, com¬ 
manding His Majesty’s Forces at Fort Mary, Saco,” 
were found fifty years ago in the attic of a house in 
South Berwick, in an old chest that had not been 
opened for seventy years. These papers established 
many important historical facts, and correct many 
errors which historians had made in regard to tht 



BIDDEFORD POOL AND SURROUNDINGS. 59 


transactions at this place from 1689 to 1700, or dur¬ 
ing the “ ten years’ war,” as it was sometimes called. 

During this war the only inhabitants remaining 
in town were gathered into a settlement on the 
Neck, and on the west side of the Pool. The sav¬ 
ages were continually prowling around and watch¬ 
ing every movement of the settlers. Many who 
ventured out were slain. Six soldiers, at Fort Mary, 
who had been out on the beach, were attacked, and 
after a fierce encounter were overpowered by 
superior numbers; some were captured, and the 
others killed. Mary Dyer, who lived on the Neck 
or at the Pool, just south-east of the Highland 
House, one day, while the men were out fishing, 
saw some Indians coming down the beach toward 
her house. She knew the danger of her situation 
She had two small children ; with one in her arms, 
and the other clinging to her dress, she hastened to 
the “ Gut.” A boat was lying there, and placing 
her children in it, she seized an oar, pushed the boat 
from land, and glided over the dashing surface like 
a frightened bird. She landed, secured her boat 
and while climbing the cliff, to reach Fort Mar}%» 
bullet from an Indian’s musket struck the groun* 
near her. She coolly stopped and put a stick intc 
the earth to mark the spot. The Indians plundered 
her house, but she remained safe in the Fort. After 
they retired she went to the spot where the bullet 
struck, dug it out, and it was kept in the family for 
three generations as a memorial of her heroism. At 
present, however, it is not to be found. Fort Mary 


60 SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 

was for a while the only protection, and the inhab¬ 
itants went there for security until other garrisons 
had been built. Previous to this there is no histori¬ 
cal certainty that any government fortifications were 
built on the shores of Saco Bay. There were, doubt¬ 
less, many private blockhouses or garrisons where 
there were settlers near together, and in these they 
joined for mutual protection. The first of these 
known to have been erected was by Major William 
Phillips, at Saco Falls, which was burnt in 1675, at 
the beginning of the Indian wars. 

Ship-building. 

Ship-building was carried on near this Fort during 
(he time Captain Hill was in command. Probably 
the ship-yard was near the steamboat landing at the 
Pool, where Captain Thomas Cutts subsequently 
built vessels. They were built by Colonel William 
Pepperrell, father of Sir William, who employed 
Captain Hill as his agent, as will be seen by a letter 
addressed to Captain John Hill, at Fort Mary, Saco. 
This letter was written in the same year that Sir 
William was born : 


Kittery Point, November 12, 1696. 

Captain Hill. 

Sir : With much trouble I have gotten men and sent for the 
sloop, and desire you to dispatch them with all speed, for, if all 
things be ready, they may be fitted to leave in two days as well 
as in seven years. If you and the carpenter think it convenient, 
and the ground has not too much descent, I think it may be safer 
and better to bend her sails before you launch her, so as to leave 


BIDDEFORD POOL AND SURROUNDINGS. G1 


immediately. But I shall leave it to your management, and de¬ 
sire you to hasten them day and night; for, Sir, it will be danger¬ 
ous tarrying there, on account of hostile savages in the vicinity , 
and it will be very expensive to keep the men on pay. I send 
you a barrel of rum, and there is a cask of wine to launch with. 
So, with my services to yourself and lady, hoping they are all in 
good health, as I am at present, who are your humble servant at 
command, William Pepperrell. 

In those days, and for more than a century later, 
rum, wine, and brandy were considered indispen¬ 
sable on all important and tmimportant occasions. 
The launching of a vessel, or the raising of a build¬ 
ing, was attended by all the men and women in the 
neighborhood. The workmen and spectators must 
be cheered with brandy or rum, and it was con¬ 
sidered a great breach of etiquette not to treat the 
women with wine. Colonel Pepperrell was not un¬ 
mindful of the requirements of courtesy, hence the 
generous provision which he made for this launching. 
Though it “ was dangerous tarrying there on ac¬ 
count of the hostile savages,” yet our settlers were 
jovial even when surrounded by peril. Not only on 
such occasions, but in all the courtesies of daily life, 
strong drink bore an important part. The military 
captain was required to “ treat ” his company on 
muster days; on this depended his popularity, and 
the obedience and attention of his soldiers. At 
church dedications, and ministerial ordinations, both 
clergy and laymen cemented their fellowship in a 
social glass. At the ordination of Rev. John Fair- 
field, first minister of Saco, in 1762, are the follow¬ 
ing items in the bill of expenses: “ One bbl. beer, 


62 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


£2; two gals, rum, <£4, 10s.; two qts. brandy, £1, 
2s. 6d .; 11 lbs. sugar, £2, 15s.” 

Bridal congratulations were given b} 7 drinking to 
the health of the newly married; and at funerals 
the sighs of the bereaved, and the tears of the sym¬ 
pathizing, were mingled over the departed while 
drinking together a glass of spiced liquor. The 
following is from a bill of funeral expenses : “ Five 

gals, rum ; ten lbs. sugar ; and half pound alspice to 
make spiced rum.” 

From ancestors with such social customs it is not 
surprising that a love for stimulants has been trans¬ 
mitted to their posterity. “ The evil that men do 
lives after them,” and “ the iniquities of the fathers 
are visited on their children.” Those through 
whose veins flows the blood of five generations of 
wine-bibbers, may have inherited an appetite against 
which many subsequent generations may struggle 
ere they out-live their unfortunate possession. 


HISTORICAL HOUSES. 


63 


VI. 


HISTORICAL HOUSES 


i TordarCs Garrison. — Dominicus hilled. — Children in 
Captivity. — Samuel learns the Language .— Under¬ 
stands Indian Wiles. — House attacked. — Disturbed 
Depast. — Captain James P. Hill. — Stories told at 
the Fireside. — The Haley House. — Dyer and Tar- 
box Garrison. — The Cow-bell Decoy. — Haley hilled. 
— Jordan's Banks. — Fort Nonsense. — Old Burying 
Ground. — Early Church .— War of 1812. — The 
Bulwark. — Captain Cutts. 



Jordan’s Garrison, 


Now (1880) the Residence of Tristram Goldthwait, Esq. 


N the south side of Parker’s Neck, just west 
from Fort Hill, on a little inlet from the Pool, 



has stood this venerable structure since 1717. It 











64 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


may have been erected earlier, but at this time 
it was occupied by Captain Samuel Jordan, who 
married Olive Plaisted of Berwick, and settled 
here. Captain Samuel was son of Dominicus, and 
grandson of Rev. Robert Jordan, (before mentioned,) 
of Spirwink. This house was erected as a garrison, 
and was surrounded by a high palisade of timber 
and stone ; and flankers, or lookouts, commanding a 
view each way, were built on the corners of the 
palisade. Here Mr. Jordan engaged in trade ; kept 
a store of general merchandise, and the neighboring 
settlers came here to purchase their supplies. 
Though this now seems a secluded spot, yet in its 
early days it was considered the most accessible 
location, for it could be reached by boat from all 
points; and it was an important business centre. 
When Mr. Jordan was a boy, at Spirwink, during 
King William’s war, the Indians entered the house 
of his father, Dominicus, as if on friendly terms; 
but when a favorable chance was presented, they 
struck the father a fatal blow on the head with a 
tomahawk, and carried his wife and five children to 
Canada in captivity. While there he learned the 
language of the Indians, and subsequently became 
an interpreter for them at the making of treaties. 
The family all returned from captivity except the 
youngest daughter, who, being but a child at the 
time, soon forgot her native home, and subsequently 
married a French gentleman, and settled on the 
banks of the St. Lawrence. Having been accus¬ 
tomed to Indian warfare from childhood, Mr. Jordan 


HISTORICAL HOUSES. 


65 


fully understood their wiles, and was consequently 
fitted for the years of trial through which the Winter 
Harbor settlement had to pass while he resided there. 
He accordingly had this house built secure, and it 
afforded protection for his own family and neighbor¬ 
ing settlers, who in times of extremity took shelter 
within its walls. He was a man of undaunted 
courage, and white man and Indian knew him to be 
a fatal marksman. In July, 1723, while working 
in his field, he was attacked by a party of Indians. 
As was the custom, he had his musket with him, 
but no surplus ammunition. If he discharged his 
. only shot they would overpower him. He there¬ 
fore aimed his gun and held them at bay, while he 
walked backwards and recovered his garrison. At 
another time the enemy stealthily entered this house. 
Mr. Jordan was alone with his family. He happened 
to discover them, and called aloud to several fictitious 
names to get their muskets; they supposing he had 
a squad of armed men, hastily made their escape. 
One day in the forest just back of the house he 
discovered that a party of Indians were making 
merry over a calf which they had stolen from his 
herd. He with the skill of a savage crept stealthily 
within hearing, and listened to their merriment. 
They were seated around the animal, cutting slices 
from the flesh, each one saying, “ So we will cut 
Jordan.” It was more than he could endure in 
silence, and he sent a charge of buck-shot whizzing 
through the group. One was killed, and the others 
fled rapidly to the woods, leaving their muskets, with 


G6 SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 

their repast unfinished. This heroic settler, who 
probably erected this house, filled many important 
positions in the settlement; and on the south side 
of the Pool road, nearly opposite the road that leads 
to Hill’s Beach, in the Jordan burying-ground, 
lies a large flat slate tomb-stone, evidently of Eng¬ 
lish manufacture, in the centre of which is a large 
heart, of different material, with this inscription : 

Here lies the Body 
of 

CAPTAIN SAMUEL JORDAN, 

Dec’d Dec. 20, 1748, 

JEt. 58. 

During the war of the Revolution, this house was 
the residence of Captain James P. Hill, one of the 
committee of safety. His official position brought 
to this house many distinguished personages con¬ 
nected with the government. During the war of 
1812, Captain Waldo Hill, the son of James P., re¬ 
sided here. The United States soldiers were sta¬ 
tioned in the vicinity, and the officers were quartered 
in the house. Captain Hill's daughter, who now 
resides in Cambridge, Mass., remembers the inci¬ 
dents of that time. The present occupant of this 
house has lived here nearly half a century. 

Could this old structure speak; could it tell the 
scenes that have been enacted in and around it; 
could it reveal the joys and sorrows, the hopes and 
fears, the births, bridals and burials of the generations 
that have passed its threshold forever, — what a 
volume of history it would unfold ! Could it paint 


HISTOllICAL HOUSES. 


67 


its early picturesque surroundings ; the wild woods 
and the dashing ocean; the rude settlers that came 
for supplies ; the blanket-garbed savage that sought 
its destruction ; or sketch the social or domestic life 
within its walls, — what a picture it would present! 
Around its broad hearthstone, from which the pitch- 
knots’ bright glare illumined the capacious kitchen, 
have been oft repeated the exciting tales of ship¬ 
wrecks and rescues; strange sights and sounds in 
the air; the earthquake and the dark day ; the stories 
of witches and ghosts, heroes and warriors ; and the 
terrible tale of the pirate Melcher’s bleeding victims, 
whose dying prayers brought upon his posterity 
“ the bleeding curse,” which caused many of them 
in Biddeford to bleed to death from the scratch of a 
pin. Could this old house rehearse even these, they 
would fill a volume with exciting romance. 

May this venerable structure stand through gen¬ 
erations to come, to remind posterity of those heroic 
pioneers through whose struggles civilization was 
planted on the coast of Maine. 

The Haley House. 

This stands on the north side of the Pool Road, 
near the junction of the new road leading across 
Leighton’s Point to the Beach. There is no definite 
history to show when this house was erected, but it 
is proved to be more than one hundred and fifty 
years old. It has witnessed the birth of five gen¬ 
erations of the Haley family. The Haleys came to 


68 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


this place from the Isle of Shoals, and were early 
identified with the affairs of the settlement. This 



Haley House. 


house is constructed of strong timbers, some of 
which are fifteen inches in diameter. It was built 
to endure the trials of Indian warfare and the 
ravages of time. A Mr. Haley who resided here 
was for many years on friendly terms with the 
Indians, and remained in this house after many of 
his neighbors went into garrisons. A blockhouse 
stood in the field of John Tarbox, near the water, 
on the farm adjoining the Haleys. This was 
known as the Dyer and Tarbox Garrison. The spot 
is visible still. Mr. Haley’s neighbors exhorted him 
to join them, but believing the natives to be friendly, 
he supposed he would be safe. One night, however, 
he was aroused by a loud rapping at the door. He 
arose and unbarred it, and found that two Indians 
sought admittance, saying they desired to warm 
themselves. He admitted them and kindly kindled 
the fire. He soon saw that they intended mischief 








HISTORICAL HOUSES. 


G9 


and ordered them out, hut they, grasping fire-brands, 
threw them about the room, and endeavored to set 
the house on fire. Mr. Haley seized the musket 
from its accustomed hooks, and as they were only 
armed with tomahawks, this terrified them, and 
while Mrs. Haley extinguished the flames he drove 
them to the woods. After this he joined the 
garrison. Here was but the beginning of his sad 
history. From that time the Indian enmity was 
aroused against him, and they continually watched to 
waylay him. Several were his escapes, as he always 
went armed, and was most skilful in the use of his 
musket. At this time the inhabitants had not built 
fences, but the cattle grazed in common, and at 
night were secured in stockades which the settlers 
erected for them. This was a precaution against 
wolves which infested the country, as well as pro¬ 
tection against the Indians. The cattle wore bells, 
the sound of which each owner could recognize. 
One night Mr. Haley’s cows did not return with the 
others. His family waited anxiously till the dark¬ 
ness gathered in the forests. The tinkling of the 
bell could be distinctly heard, and the cow was 
evidently not far distant. Mr. Haley started to find 
her. The sound of the bell kept receding till it 
came from the depths of the forest. Then there was 
the report of a musket, and the sound of the bell 
ceased. The garrison was alarmed, and an armed 
squad hastened in the direction of the sound. They 
soon found the cow, slain, and further on the body 
of Mr. Haley cut in small pieces. A basket was 


TO SFIOKES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 

obtained, and the mutilated flesh, still warm and 
quivering, was gathered up and borne back to the 
garrison. The Indians had evidently killed the cow 
early in the day, and had used the bell as a decoy to 
lead him on to his destruction. After this his family 
went to the Isle of Shoals and remained till there 
was peace with the tribes. 

On returning they found their house standing 
uninjured. It is still owned and occupied by the 
descendants of the builder. It is an interesting 
relic of early days, and is strong and firm enough to 
endure the ravages of another century. 

In those trying times the men went armed to their 
labors in the field, and the women guarded the 
garrison. Some stood sentry, while others worked 
at the cards, the wheel, or the loom. One day at 
this garrison the women at the look-out saw several 
savages secreted near the house, evidently listening 
to learn if the men were within. The women at 
first thought to fire a signal to call the men home, 
but fearing they woul'd fall into the ambush on their 
return, they resorted to stratagem to terrify the 
Indians. They placed hats upon poles and showed 
them frequently at the windows and above the 
palisades. The Indians were near enough to hear 
the movements within. In the upper story of the 
house was a pile of pumpkins. The women 
collected these at the head of the stairs, and the 
woman with the strongest voice commenced giving 
commands, when at a given signal the others, in 
regular intervals, rolled the pumpkins down the 


HISTORICAL HOUSES. 


71 


stairs. This sounded like the footsteps of a squad 
of men rushing out of the house ; the women at the 
same time discharged their muskets, and the Indians, 
eighteen in number, supposing they were discovered 
and attacked by a superior force, fled to the woods, 
and the heroic women “ held the fort.” 

Jordan House. 

All who pass up and down Saco River, notice on 
a distant hill, on the west side, nearly opposite the 
terminus of the Orchard Beach Railroad, a large 
two-storied house, with stately willows in front and 
a majestic elm on the backside of it. It is on the 
Pool Road, about two miles from the beach. It is so 
conspicuous that it should occupy a place in these 
sketches. It is on the spot where stood the Stack- 
pole Garrison, built in 1720. It was built in 1745 
by Judge Rishworth Jordan (son of Captain Samuel, 
who built the garrison before mentioned). It is 
now very much in its original condition, having 
undergone but little alteration, and contains some 
of its original furniture. The present occupant is 
Robert E. Jordan, Esq., a grandson of the builder. 
The willows in front were planted that their roots 
and branches might protect the sandy hill from 
drifting away with the wind. From this house 
stretches east to the river the Jordan estate. On 
the high land just above Hill’s Beach, and opposite 
the upper end of the breakwater, are “Jordan’s 
Banks,” on which, in 1814, was erected a fort, to 
protect the river against English invasion ; but as 


72 SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 

the river was never afterwards invaded, the fort 
soon fell into disuse, and received the title of Fort 
Nonsense. 

In the side of this hill, near the river, is a per¬ 
petually flowing spring, the waters of which supply 
the herds that graze in this pasture. It has always 
been known as Indian Spring, for from this the 
tribes, when living on this shore, obtained their 
pure water. 

The Old Burying Ground. 

A few rods above the Jordan residence, on the 
Pool Road, is the oldest Biddeford burying-ground. 
Near this stood a church, erected in 1719. A few 
fragments of bricks from its chimneys are all that 
remain to mark the spot. This old burying-ground 
is surrounded by a tottering stone wall, which was 
built in 1830 by the town, to protect this lot. It is 
to be regretted that so few of its grave-stones re¬ 
main. Some have been obliterated by time; some 
have been buried by drifting sand, and more have 
been crushed by the hands of malicious mischief. 

The most prominent building near the boat-land¬ 
ing, at the Pool, is a large three-story storehouse. 
It seems too large for a settlement so small; but it 
remains a reminder of the busy days at this place. 
It was the store of Captain Thomas Cutts, who 
settled here about a century ago; and was largely 
engaged in ship-building and foreign and coastwise 
commerce. His residence was where now stands 
the Yates House. Captain Cutts, whose wife was a 


HISTORICAL HOUSES. 


73 


daughter of Judge Cook, of Bath, dwelt here many 
years, and was then the distinguished man of the 
place. He acquired a large fortune. During the war 
of 1812, between the United States and England, 
which proved disastrous to the shipping interests 
of the country, he lost very much of his great 
estate. 

On the 14th of June, 1816, the settlers at the 
Pool, or on the Neck, were terrified by the an¬ 
nouncement that a British man-of-war was in sight. 
Great consternation prevailed when the Bulwark , a 
distinguished English war-ship, approached the 
harbor. She lay off near Wood Island, and sent a 
few shots over the town. A cannon-ball, thrown 
over across the Pool, into the field of Samuel Tar- 
box, is now owned by his son John Tarbox, who 
lives on his father’s estate. These few shots created 
a terrible consternation. There were no fortifica¬ 
tions and no soldiers at the place. Messengers 
were dispatched through the country on horseback, 
to alarm the inhabitants. All the men capable of 
bearing arms left their fields and hastened towards 
the Pool. Women and children fled to the woods 
with their valuables. One agedlady tells of taking the 
silver of a wealthy Saco family and burying it in the 
woods near where is now the Eastern Depot. Others 
tell of burying their money, and carrying their 
treasures into the forests. This alarm was not con¬ 
fined to the immediate settlers at the Pool, but it 
was supposed that the English intended to destroy 
the unprotected settlements on the coast. These 


74 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


fears were groundless. The officers and men from 
the Bulwark landed in their barges, and told the 
terrified inhabitants that no harm would be done 
them. Their business was to destroy the shipping. 
They consequently destroyed a new ship upon the 
stocks ; burnt another, and carried off a third. The 
vessel that they burnt the} r chased in from sea, but 
they were not able to capture her till she landed at the 
Pool. All these belonged to Captain Cutts. The 
one carried off they compelled him to ransom. He 
accordingly went up to town and took from the 
Old Saco Bank, on Sunday, the required sum, and 
purchased the vessel back. It was named The 
Victory; was fitted for sea soon after, and was 
never heard from after leaving port. Beside the 
damage to shipping, the officers demanded the keys 
to Captain Cutts’ store — the same store that stands 
there now, — entered it, and the sailors were given 
liberty to replenish their wardrobes from the captain’s 
stock, and to fill their canteens from his liquor- 
casks. What liquors they could not carry away 
they left running; and having taken all they 
wanted, of hats, handkerchiefs, and hosiery, and 
having left their cast-off ones instead, they left in 
their boats, and returned to the Bulwark. All this 
was done before American soldiers had arrived. They 
had only the satisfaction of seeing the burning hulks 
floating in the Pool; and of hearing the music from 
the Bulwark's band, which at intervals was borne 
across the ocean to the shore. It was always sup¬ 
posed that the officers of this ship had some per- 


HISTORICAL HOUSES. 


75 

sonal spite against Captain Cutts, and took this 
mean way to seek revenge. No other property was 
injured. But from the anecdotes told by the aged, 
who remember this event, there is no doubt that the 
inhabitants were greatly terrified. The old store¬ 
house reminds us of that event. 








76 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


VII. 

FERRY BEACH, OR BAY VIEW. 

Location. — Bay View Post Office. — Old Ferry. — 
Ferry House. — Illustration. — Ferry Beach. — Bail- 
road Communication. — Financial Agent of Park 
Company. — Indian Bendezvous. — Saco Biver. — 
Agiocochock. — Pipe of Peace. — The Breakwater. — 
Ellis Park. 

T HE portion of Old Orchard west of Goose 
Fare* Brook has since 1678 been known as 
Ferry Beach, from the ferry across Saco River, 
which was licensed at that time. But a post-office 
has recently (1880) been established under the gov¬ 
ernment name of Bay View. The ferry, which was 
just above the river terminus of the Beach Railroad, 
was an important point of business and pleasure for 
many years. It was the winter port of Saco, and 
all the coastwise traffic was carried on here. There 
was also, previous to the war of 1812, a large West 
Indian trade from this port. Now the only remnant 
of those busy days is the old storehouse upon the 

* There is difference of opinion in regard to the orthography of 
this word. Some spell it Fair , others Fare. To the author it 
6eems most probable that at this place upon the marshes the wild 
geese came to feed; hence the name Goose Fare-feed. 


FAGE, Proprietor. 1880. L. P. TRUE, Manager. Accommodates 300 Guests 








































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































FERRY BEACH, OR BAY VIEW. 


77 


grass-grown wharf. The majestic elms, now stand¬ 
ing in front of ruins, once extended their sheltering 
branches over the Ferry House, that was for many 
years a popular resort. It was built in 1800 by 
Captain Asa Steavens for a residence ; was for many 
years a hotel, under various proprietors, and was 
burnt in 1876. The following cut shows the place 
before the house was burnt. 



The Ferry on Saco River. 1875. 


Ferry Beach Park. 

A forest lying along the west end of Old Orchard 
Beach, containing ninety acres, has been carefully 
laid out in walks, rambles, streets, and avenues, and 
called Ferry Beach Park. This park is to become 
a summer settlement. It is located on a pleasing 
portion of Saco Bay, near the river, and is inter¬ 
sected by the Orchard Beach Railroad, which opens 
it to railroad communication, and renders it eas}^ of 
access. Several cottages have been erected; and 
attractive lots are inviting purchasers. George F. 
Caleff, Saco, is financial agent for the Park Com- 







78 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


pany, with whom business can be transacted. Those 
seeking a place to build a desirable summer home 
will find in this park a suitable location. 

This was a favorite resort for the early Indian 
tribes. Nature guided them to picturesque places. 
Where the scenery was grand or pleasing there they 
loved to dwell. Here, at the mouth of the Saco, in 
view of the bright island in the bay, the tribes came 
to feast upon the sea-birds and shell-fish so abundant 
at this shore. This was their winter home; but in the 
spring they journeyed up the river to the falls, in 
whose foaming waters sported the nimble salmon. 
They had an especial reverence for the Saco River, 
for they believed that it descended directly from the 
home of the Great Spirit, and was opened for the 
especial benefit of the redmen. The White Moun¬ 
tains, from which the river descends, were b} r them 
called Agiocochock, which in ancient Indian nomen¬ 
clature signified “ Home of the Great Spirit.” In 
the cloud-capped summit of these mountains they 
believed was the “hiding of his power.” They con¬ 
sidered it sacrilege to approach the top; and, there¬ 
fore, above the line of shrub vegetation no mocca- 
sined foot ever dared tread. From the source of 
the Saco River, in these mountains, to the ocean, 
they found a favorite resort—changing their loca¬ 
tion with the change of season. Winter, however, 
brought them near the ocean, and at what is now 
Ferry Beach and the Pool; and along the shores of 
Hill’s Beach was their winter rendezvous. Here 
was heard the appalling war-whoop, the terrifying 


FERRY BEACH, OR BAY VIEW. 


79 


death-song, the heavy tramp of the war-dance, and 
the subdued voice of Indian council. When the 
wars of summer were over, to this point came the 
peace-making chieftains for council. Here they 
washed the war-paint from their faces, here they 
buried their arrows and tomahawks, and smoked to¬ 
gether the pipe of peace. 

The Breakwater. 

At the west end of Ferry Beach, just below the 
terminus of the Beach Railroad at the mouth of the 
river, extending into the ocean eleven hundred 
yards, is the Breakwater, built of Bid deford granite 
by government, in 1869. It was built for the pur¬ 
pose of extending the channel of the river into the 
ocean, so as to remove a changing sand-bar that ob¬ 
structed shipping. This breakwater had the de¬ 
sired effect, and now large vessels can pass and 
repass without grounding. 

Ellis Park. 

Just west of Ferry Beach' Park, on the river be¬ 
low the Old Ferry, is a summer settlement of sev¬ 
eral cottages, in a pine grove near the river and the 
ocean, known as Ellis Park — from Rev. Mr. Ellis, 
whose house was the only one in that vicinity till a 
recent date. Ellis Park can be reached, by the 
river steamer Augusta, or by Orchard Beach Rail¬ 
road. It now is, and for many years has been, a 
resort of picnic and chowder parties. 


80 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


VIII. 


PINE POINT, AND PROUT’S NECK. 


Blue Point Hills. — Signal Station. — Heroic Women. 

— The King’s Highioay. — Charles Pine the Hunter. 

— Hunniwell , the Indian Killer. — Sudden Stop to 
Indian Sport. — Death of the Nineteen. — Fate of 
Hunniwell. — Prout's Neck , or Black Point. — Jocelyn 
captured. — Death of Mogg. — Old Orchard Beach 
Railroad. 


Pine Foint. 



HIS is the portion of the beach from Scarboro’, on 


X the Dunstan River, to the town of Saco. In the 
earliest days of the colonies, on the shore, it was known 
as Blue Point, and the high land west of it was called 
Blue Point Hills. On this hill, which is about a 
mile and a half from the shore, was, during the war 
of 1812, a signal station, at which a sentinel was 
kept to watch the appearance of any vessel that 
came along the shore, and to report the approach of 
the enemy to the signal station at Portland, which 
was in the Munjoy Tower, which is still standing. 
This Blue Hill signal station was in charge of James 
Leavitt. On this hill, in the time of the Indian wars, 
btood a garrison. It is told that at this garrison an 
heoric woman, on going to feed her pigs, found two 


PINE POINT, AND PEOUT’s NECK. 81 

Indians secreted in the sty. She immediately at¬ 
tacked them with her piggin (a kind of wooden pail 
without a bail but with one long stave for a handle), 
and before they could rise from the close quarters 
in which they had concealed themselves,sheslew them 
both. The present name, Pine Point, is not, as many 
suppose, from the pine-trees on its shores, but from 
Charles Pine, a famous hunter and Indian killer, 
who dwelt here. There was also another distin¬ 
guished hunter here,—William Newbury,—from 
whom Newbury’s Point, on the south-east portion 
of Pine Point, received its name. These hunters 
were much distinguished in the neighborhood for 
being excellent marksmen. At the east end of the 
Point was the only ferry across Dunstan River at 
what is now known as Ferry Rock. The king’s 
highway passed along the shore near where is now 
the Leavitt House. All travellers through the 
country had to cross at this ferry, and the ferryman 
kept an “ ordinary,” or tavern, near the river. Thus 
began hotel business at Pine Point. But when bridges 
were built, and roads laid out through the country, 
the ferry* and ordinary were discontinued. Blue 
Point settlers suffered much from Indian depre¬ 
dations during the early wars, and filled an im¬ 
portant place in the history of those days. 

Here dwelt several distinguished hunters and 
warriors. Here was the home of Richard Hunniwell 
the “ Indian Killer,” and of Charles Pine the cele 
brated marksman. The character and adventure 
of these men have been depicted so graphically iu 
6 


82 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


Southgate’s History of Scarborough, that it will be 
interesting to quote them here: 

“ At the time of the second settlement, an un¬ 
finished house, which had remained since the de¬ 
sertion of 1G90, stood on Winnock’s (Plummer’s) 
Neck. This became a. sort of rendezvous for the 
Indians, where they would occasionally meet and 
amuse themselves with howling and dancing. One 
spring, soon after the return of the inhabitants, Mr. 
Pine discovered that the savages were holding in 
this shell a series of nightly fc powwows,’ and at once 
he determined to improve the occasion for a trial of 
his skill as a marksman. It was his rule to hunt 
Indians without any companions but two guns, 
which he was wont to discharge one immediately 
after the other, when he fired from a covert. Taking 
his two guns he went out alone from the garrison 
early one afternoon, paddled his boat up the Non¬ 
such till he came near the house, and then having 
hid it near the bank of the river, went into the 
deserted dwelling, got up amongst the beams, and 
silently awaited the result of his adventure. Soon 
after dark he heard the expected Indian whistle in 
the woods around him, and peeping out he saw 
nearly a score of savages coming towards the place 
of his concealment, which was at least three miles 
from the garrison, where was the nearest aid in case 
the Indians should attack him. Pine, however, was 
not easily frightened, and probably did not expect 
any more unfavorable result than that which 
happened. As the two foremost Indians were 


PINE POINT, AND PROUT’s NECK. 83 

entering the doorway he fired and killed them both, 
but before he could get ready his other gun for a 
second discharge the remaining savages were beyond 
danger from it. They did not even stop to see if 
their companions were killed. In an hour’s time 
Pine was safe in the garrison examining the guns 
and ammunition of his victims. Such an occurrence 
was hardly out of the course of his ordinary life. 
But the anecdote of Pine, which used to be narrated 
with the greatest relish by the veterans of the 
past generation, is the following:—The Indians 
were in the habit of showing themselves upon the 
beach between the Ferry and the Neck, and amusing 
themselves by insulting and provoking the garrison, 
with the aid of certain significant attitudes and 
gestures. Pine, with his wonted readiness for sucli 
employment, volunteered to put a stop to this 
recreation. Charging the garrison not to allow the 
Indians to cut off his retreat, he went out upon the 
beach one morning before day, and covered himself 
with rock-weed near the usual scene of the Indians’ 
sport. After waiting patiently until the morning 
was well advanced, the Indians at length appeared 
and began their sport. Presently an enormous 
fellow stepped out from the crowd that he might be 
fairly seen, and, turning his back towards the 
garrison, exposed a part of his huge body, which, 
in the words of Pine, ‘ shone like a glass bottle.’ 
The hunter immediately sent his bullet to the 
precise spot indicated by the Indian’s hand. The 
astounded savages seized their falling comrade, and 


84 


SHOBES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


rushed headlong into the woods, while Pine walked 
leisurely back to the garrison, confident that there 
would be no more such exhibitions within sight of it. 

44 Hunniwell, the 1 Indian Killer,’ was a more 
ferocious and irreconcilable foe to the savages. 
Pine's most cruel acts against them were alwaj’s of 
a sportsman-like character — he was fond of the 
adventure; but Hunniwell’s hatred of them was 
such that he would kill them whenever and where- 
ever he met them, regardless of all public treaties of 
peace. This is, without doubt, to be attributed to 
his unsatisfied desire of revenge for the death of a 
dear ^vife and child, whom the Indians are said to 
have murdered. Tradition furnishes the following 
instance of vengeance which he is said to have 
taken on his foes during a time of peace. A num¬ 
ber of the Blue Point planters were warming them¬ 
selves by the fire in a clam-house, on what is now 
called 4 Seavey’s Landing,’ when two Indians came 
in, and setting their guns in the corner, took places 
by the fire with the planters. Hunniwell entered 
soon after, in his usual manner; but finding these 
Indians present, he became remarkably uneasy, and 
began to pace the floor in a restless manner. The 
blood of his murdered wife and babe was before his 
eye. Presently he went to the corner where the 
guns stood, and taking one up, put it to his shoulder 
and moved it from side to side as if taking aim at 
birds on the wing ; he then took it from his shoulder, 
examined the pan, and finding the gun unloaded, 
put it down and took up the other, with which he 


PINE POINT, AND PROUT’S NECK. 85 

sighted as before, until, getting the heads of the 
Indians in range, he fired and killed them both. On 
another occasion he killed Jive Indians at once on 
the shore of Great Pond, with his famous 4 Buccaneer 
gun.’ He also cut off the head of an Indian with a 
scythe while mowing on the marsh opposite Jane's 
Point. The circumstances of this singular adven¬ 
ture are briefly these: — While mowing he noticed 
the Indians on the opposite side of the river, but 
supposed they were too far off to trouble him. But 
one of them perceiving that the mower was no less 
a person than the dreaded Hunniwell, and that his 
gun was set against a stack of hay some distance 
from him, undertook to entrap him by silently 
crossing the river, and creeping up to the gun 
under cover of the bank. The Indian succeeded in 
crossing the river, and in getting possession of the 
gun, before Hunniwell saw him. He continued 
mowing, however, apparently unconscious of his 
approach, until the Indian had come within a few 
yards of him, raised'the gun and called out to him, 
4 Now me kill you, Hunniwell.’ The words were 
hardly out of the Indian’s mouth when Hunniwell 
sprang towards him, shouting at the top of his voice, 
4 You infernal dog, if you fire at me I will cut you 
in two with this scythe.’ The Indian fired as 
Hunniwell approached; but it is well known that 
the savages used a very small quantity of powder in 
charging their guns compared with what the whites, 
and especially with what Hunniwell used in his 
4 Buccaneer,’ and the young savage, either not 


86 SHOLIES OP SACO BAY, MAINE. 

aware of tliis or in his haste forgetting it, not only 
fired over Hunniwell’s head, bat was himself the only 
person that fell. Before he could recover his feet, 
Hunniwell had severed his head from his bod} 7- with 
the scythe, and fixing it on a pole, he held it up in 
the sight of the Indians on the opposite shore, and 
loudly called to them to come over and share the 
same fate. 

“ The savages entertained a superstitious dread of 
this townsman, which did not restrain them, how¬ 
ever, from seeking revenge for the Indian blood he 
had so abundantly shed. The only satisfaction 
whi$h they were able to obtain for many years, con¬ 
sisted in torturing a poor horse of his which once 
fell into their hands. They stuck his skin full of 
pitch-pine splinters, and then set them on fire. The 
day of a more complete revenge came at last. One 
morning, in the autumn of 1718, or thereabouts, a 
party of twenty men left the garrison on the Neck 
to collect and drive in the cattle, which had been at 
large during the summer. The peace of Utrecht 
had just been promulgated here, and it was more¬ 
over supposed that there were no Indians in the 
vicinity. For these reasons the little party marched 
on with utter carelessness. Hunniwell, who headed 
the party, had taken with him nothing but a pistol, 
and others had no arms whatever. A force of two 
hundred Indians had concealed themselves in an 
alder thicket at the west end of the Great Pond, 
and as the little company of townsmen passed by on 
their way to the woods, the savages took deliberate 


PINE POINT, AND PftOUT’S NECK. 


87 


aim, and fired upon them under the most favorable 
circumstances. A single survivor escaped to the 
garrison with the tidings, and the men who soon 
afterwards ventured out to the spot found the nine¬ 
teen corpses, which they hastily interred in one 
grave in a little field near the Neck. Hunniwell’s 
body was easily distinguishable from the rest by its 
horrible mutilation. Soon after they left the garri¬ 
son one of the party asked Hunniwell why he had 
not taken his gun with him ; his reply was, that if a 
gun was needed he might take it from the first per¬ 
son killed. It is to be regretted that the names of 
those who fell with him have escaped the memory of 
our aged people.” 



Lobster Fisherman. 


There are now about fifty cottages at this place 
owned principally by Portland merchants who reside 







88 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


here during the summer. A portion of the inhabi¬ 
tants dwell here all the year; and at the mouth of 
the Dunstan River a large business is carried on in 
canning clams and lobsters. Here is an establish¬ 
ment which gives employment to a large number of 
people. Scarboro’ clams are said to be the best on the 
coast, and are sought for by epicures from all parts of 
the country. There is now' a Government post-office 
at this place, and the station of the Boston and 
Maine Railroad is within half a mile of the shore. 
The beach, which is the continuation of Old Orchard, 
is smooth sand, and is bordered by a thick, rich 
foliage of pines. 


Prout’s Neck. 

This is a promontory extending from the town 
of Scarborough three miles into the ocean, form¬ 
ing the eastern shore of Saco Bay. Nature has 
lavished her charms upon this place, and fitted it 
for a picturesque summer resort. There is a gran¬ 
deur in its bold cliff-bound shore, beaten continually 
by boisterous breakers, and there is loveliness in the 
gentle breeze that fans its fields. Here the sun is 
seen to rise from the ocean, bathed in liquid gold ; 
here his meridian rays are tempered by the mist- 
laden zephyrs; and from here he is seen to sink 
amid the fairy-tinted draperies of the golden west. 
Every hour of the passing day, at this place, bears 
with it a charm, and gives the mind that constant 
change which is rest and recreation. The varied 


PINE POINT, AND PROUT’S NECK. 89 

facilities for enjoyment here presented, make this 
one of the desirable spots for a summer home. 



View off Prout’s Neck. 


Early History of Prout’s Neck, or Black 
Point. 

The first white settler in this vicinity, of which 
history gives any record, was John Stratton. He 
dwelt on the island bearing that name as early as 






90 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


1631. There were, doubtless, other settlers with 
him, but of their history but little is known. In 
1643, however, Thomas Commock received from 
the council of Plymouth fifteen hundred acres of 
land, now lying in the town of Scarboro*, and settled 
on the Neck. As this was a most desirable place 
for fishing or farming, other settlers soon joined him, 
and in a few years it became quite a settlement. 
The Neck was originally covered with dark ever¬ 
green forests, and hence mariners coming in from 
the ocean naturally called it Black Point. The 
present name is from Timothy Prout, who settled 
here in 1T28, and died in 1768. The early settlers 
of Prout’s Neck, in common with the other settle¬ 
ments in the province, suffered extremely during the 
Indian war. Previous to these wars the place was 
growing and prosperous, and looked forward to be¬ 
coming the metropolis of Maine. A large garrison, 
tradition says, stood on the Neck over an old cellar, 
near what is now called Garrison Cove. The 
situation of this rendered it one of the most impreg¬ 
nable in the province of Maine. In the first Indian 
war mentioned in Chapter IV., the settlers in this 
region were collected for security in and around 
this garrison. 

In 1678, a short time before the first treaty, a 
party of about one hundred Indians made a sudden 
attack on this unprepared and unsuspecting settle¬ 
ment. Mogg, a distinguished chieftain, was the 
leader of this engagement. He had been on familiar 
and friendly terms with Captain Henry Jocelyn, who 


PINE POINT, AND PROUT’S NECK. 91 

was in command here. Moggproposed an interview 
with Jocelyn outside the fort. Jocelyn met him, and 
their conversation lasted a long while. The Indians 
proposed that the garrison be surrendered to them 
without a contest, but Jocelyn would not consent to 
it without asking the advice of those within, and 
returned for that purpose. To his astonishment he 
found that all the inmates, except his own family, 
had fled by boat. They had become alarmed at his 
continued absence, and had left him to use his own 
judgment in regard to surrendering his garrison. 
He being quite an old man at the time, did not deem 
it prudent to resist a so much greater force, and sur¬ 
rendered the garrison, himself and family becoming 
captives. It is reported that they were treated 
with kindness, and returned in a few months. This 
was a great achievement for the Indians, but ex¬ 
ceedingly discouraging for the settlers, who scattered 
from here into other settlements, and remained till 
the next year, when they returned and again settled 
on their desolated plantations ; and the garrison was 
placed under the command of Lieutenant Tippen, 
who came with a company of soldiers to the 
defence of the place. Having once been successful 
in capturing this place, the Indians were encouraged 
to attack it again, May 13th, 1677, and the siege 
lasted three days, when Lieutenant Tippen suc¬ 
ceeded in shooting the celebrated warrior Mogg. 
This caused the English great rejoicing, for Mogg 
was a dreaded foe to all white settlers. At the fall 
of their leader the savages abandoned the attack and 
left in their canoes. 


92 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


Old Orchard Beach Railroad. 

One of the attractions of Old Orchard Beach has 
always been the charming drive along its shore. 
This, however, could be enjoyed only at low tide, 
and by those who could afford the luxury of a 
private carriage. But to meet the demands of the 
general public, and bring this enjoyable recreation 
accessible to all, a company of sagacious and enter¬ 
prising men obtained a charter from last winter’s 
legislature for a railroad from the Dunstan to the 
Saco River or along the whole line of Old Orchard 
Beach. This road has now been built from the Old 
Orchard Station of the Boston and Maine to Saco 
River, (J. M. Robbins Lewiston, builder,) and was 
first opened for travel, June 26, 1880. It passes 
along the Beach close to the water for three miles, 
and at Saco River connects with steamers and yachts 
for Biddeford Pool and the Islands. It is furnished 
with elegant open observation cars, which are driven 
at slow speed, and are stopped, like horse-cars, at 
any point along the Beach, for the accommodation of 
passengers. By way of this road, Bay View, Ferry 
Beach Park, and Biddeford Pool are connected with 
the Boston and Maine Railroad at Old Orchard 
Station, and with the steamboat transportation on 
Saco River : and the luxury of a three miles’ ride 
along the lovely shores of Saco Bay is furnished at a 
trifling expense. (See chart, last page.) 


HOW TO REACH THE SHORES OF SACO BAY. 93 


IX. 

HOW TO REACH THE SHORES OF 
SACO BAY. 

Portland and Boston Steamers. 

OR Bostonians and tourists passing through 
Boston, to or from Old Orchard, Prout’s Neck, 
or Biddeford Pool, there is no conveyance more con- 




Portland Light. 


venient and comfortable than by these steamers. 
They leave India Wharf, Boston, for Portland, every 





94 SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 

evening at seven o’clock; and returning, leave 
Portland for Boston at the same hour. Old Orchard 
is fifteen miles west of Portland, from which six 
trains daily pass it, the earliest leaving Portland at 
six A.M. 

Passengers by this route can leave Boston at 
night; thus they have a view of Boston harbor, see 
islands and distant shores at sunset, avoid the heat, 
dust, and fatigue of railroad travel, have a night’s 
quiet slumber, pass the islands and picturesque 
scenery of Portland at sunrise, and with a railroad 
ride of only thirty minutes, arrive at Old Orchard 
in time for early breakfast. By taking advantage 
of the generous excursion rates offered by the com¬ 
pany, an interesting tour may be made at a trifling 
expense. 


Boston and Maine Railroad. 

In 1873 this road, which had previously extended 
only from Boston to South Berwick, on the west 
side of Maine, was opened through to Portland 
along the coast, through Wells, Kennebunk, Saco, 
and Scarboro’. Thus the seaside resorts were ac¬ 
commodated with railroad facilities, and Old Or¬ 
chard, which previously could be reached only by a 
stage journey of four miles, was favored with two 
commodious depots on its shores. This brought in¬ 
creased patronage, and each summer the Boston and 
Maine has been a popular thoroughfare for all guests 
of Old Orchard. During the present }^ear the depot 


HOTEL DIRECTORY. 


95 


has been enlarged to meet the demand of travel. 
Four trains daily pass between Boston and Portland, 
besides local trains between Kennebunk and Port¬ 
land ; hence the train accommodations on this road 
are all that can be desired. 


HOTEL DIRECTORY. 

The following hotels are especially worthy the 
patronage of the travelling or pleasure-seeking 
public. Those marked * have illustrations in this 
book. 

HOTELS AT BIDDEFORD POOL. 

HIGHLAND HOUSE.* 

This is entirely new; erected in 1880, A. E. Up- 
ham, of Melrose, Mass., architect. The proprietor, 
Mr. W. S. Starkweather, has taken special care to 
construct and furnish this structure so as to give 
his guests the greatest amount of enjoyment. This 
is the beginning of his hotel career, and from an 
apparent adaptability to the business, there is no 
doubt that he will make this house popular and 
attractive, and merit a continuation of the patron¬ 
age so generously bestowed upon the old Highland 
House under the management of the late Daniel 
Holman. The house is intended to accommodate 
three hundred guests, and is open after July 4, 1880. 



96 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


YATES HOUSE.* 

One hundred and fifty guests find here a happy 
home. Frederick Yates, the proprietor, is favorably 
known to the travelling public in this and the Bid- 
deford House, both of which he has made renowned. 
During the season of 1880 Mr. E. F. Hunt will 
assist in the management of the Yates House, and 
Mr. Emery Foss will be found at his old place in 
the Biddeford House. With this competent corps 
of assistants, under the courteous management of 
Mr. Yates, either of these houses will be found 
all that can be desired. Terms at the Yates House 
during 1880 are very low. 

Means of Access .— Biddeford Pool can be reached 
from Biddeford or Saco via steamer Augusta , down 
Saco River, — distance nine miles; or by Orchard 
Beach Railroad from Old Orchard Station of the 
Boston and Maine Railroad. Telegraph connects 
with Biddeford, and a post is here. 


HOTELS AT BAY YIEW, OR EERRY BEACH. 

BAY VIEW.* 

This hotel, which accommodates one hundred and 
fifty, is at the west end of Old Orchard, at Ferry 
Beach, or Bay View, and is connected with the Bos¬ 
ton and Maine Railroad at Old Orchard via Orchard 
Beach Railroad. O. F. Page, the proprietor, has 
made this house popular; and this season, under 


HOTEL DIRECTORY. 


97 


the management of L. P. True, the gentlemanly 
proprietor of the Saco House, it can hut become dis¬ 
tinguished. All that need be said is to quote from 
its distinguished patrons: 

“ Having spent two very happy and restful summers at the 
Bay View House, Ferry Beach, I am glad to call the attention of 
others to so lovely a resort. I do not know of another place any¬ 
where that combines so many advantages and beauties of bay, 
beach, and forest, as this. Those who want a place particularly 
attractive for families, where there are enough pleasant people 
and not too many social demands, will do well to examine this. 
I know' of no finer spot on the Maine coast, and that means no 
finer spot anywhere : for the Maine coast is the finest in America.” 
— Rev. M. J. Savage, of Boston. 

“ Having tried various seaside places, I am free to say that 
the Bay View' House is the most desirable and attractive of any I 
know along the shore. It unites the most beautiful beach and 
sea prospects with the most charming forest drives and walks, a 
well-kept house, agreeable company without the crowds and con¬ 
fusion and burdensome demands of society, which detract from 
the agreeableness of some other watering-places. I know no 
spot where I would more willingly make my summer retreat than 
Ferry Beach.” — Harriet Beecher Stowe. 

Bay View is reached by stage from Saco and 
Biddeford, or via Orchard Beach Railroad from Old 
Orchard Station of Boston and Maine Railroad. Its 
post-office address is “ Bay View, Maine.” 

7 


98 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


HOTELS AT OLD ORCHARD BEACH PROPER. 

THE ATLANTIC 

Is a new house just completed, and was opened-for 
guests July 10, 1880. The location is on the beach 
west of the Boston and Maine Railroad Station, near 
Googins’ Rocks, and can be reached from the depot 
by Beach Railroad, which passes near it. It has all 
modern furnishings, and will be kept in a first-class 
manner. 

BLANCHARD HOUSE.* 

Mrs. A. B. Blanchard, former proprietress of this 
house, has disposed of it to Charles Haines, Esq., of 
Biddeford, who will assume the proprietorship during 
the coming season. Mrs. Blanchard, however, will 
remain in the house to meet her former patrons. 
Mr. Haines has put the house in thorough order. 
Its situation is upon the border of the sea, and its 
rooms overlook the beach and distant ocean, and 
there is a croquet lawn in front. The former popu¬ 
larity of this house will be maintained ‘under its 
present management, and two hundred and fifty 
guests will find accommodation at very reasonable 
rates. 

BRUNSWICK.* 

This house was erected during the spring of 1880. 
It stands close to the ocean, where it commands a 
full view of the whole bay, and the Old Orchard 
Beach Railroad runs near it. Its furnishings, its 
table, and its surroundings, are adapted to the com 


IIOTEL DIRECTORY. 


09 


fort of its guests, and the suites of rooms and fur¬ 
nishings are well suited to the wants of families. 
To make this new house — which accommodates one 
hundred and fifty guests—second to none* is the 
especial care of the proprietors, Robinson and 
Glidden. Terms are made very favorable. 

CLEAVES HOUSE. 

This stands on the beach towards Pine Point. It 
is new and well furnished, and accommodates in its 
present condition about seventy-five guests. This 
structure is a portion of the house which is soon to 
be erected on this spot. The proprietor belongs to 
a race of hotel-keepers — four generations of the 
family having been in the business; and what John 
T. Cleaves does not know about the entertainment 
of guests is not worth knowing. 

CENTRAL HOUSE.* 

About midway of the beach between Saco and 
Dunstan River, close to the water, is this house, 
which has been put in thorough order during the 
present season. It is of modern construction, and 
well furnished. The proprietor, Wesley G. Smith, 
erected this house several years ago, and has since 
kept it with much popularity. A large hall fitted 
with stage and scenery has recently been opened 
for the enjoyment of guests of the house, and a 
bowling-alley is also under the management. Thus 
all modern facilities for enjoyment are furnished. 


100 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


FISKE HOUSE. 

This is one of the reliable hotels of Old Orchard. 
It has accommodations for two hundred and fifty 
guests, and is always abundantly patronized. It 
stands upon the beach near the ocean, and is fur¬ 
nished with all facilities for the comfort of its pa¬ 
trons. It was built by the present proprietor and 
manager, C. H. Fiske, who makes his house popular. 

GORHAM HOUSE. 

This is one of the oldest modem hotels at Old 
Orchard. It stands at the terminus of the Saco 
road, between the Beach and the Boston and Maine 
Depot. The proprietor, Charles E. Gorham, gives 
especial attention to the entertainment of pleasure 
parties and transient company. Refreshments are 
served at all hours, and pleasure facilities furnished. 
A good livery and boarding stable is under the man¬ 
agement of this house. 

THE IRVING HOUSE.* 

Upon Old Orchard Beach, close to the ocean, and 
within a few rods of the Boston and Maine Railroad 
Depot, stands this cosy hotel. During the spring 
of 1880 it has been enlarged and newly furnished, 
and now has accommodations for one hundred guests. 
The rooms are cheerful, and from nearly all of them 
there is a view of the broad ocean. The tables are 
supplied with all the luxuries of the season, and it 
is well suited for permanent or transient boarders. 


HOTEL DIRECTORY. 


101 


Guests who have horses will find a good boarding- 
stable under the management. G. S. Googins, pro¬ 
prietor. 

LAWRENCE HOUSE.* 

This stands upon the beach within twenty feet of 
the water. It was built in 1879 by the proprietor, 
E. W. Barton, who came from Lawrence, Mass. 
His gentlemanly and efficient management has made 
his house popular, and one hundred and fifty guests 
find cheerful rooms and satisfactory table supplies. 
The ocean is in full view from the piazza, and the 
location is extremely pleasing. 

LANE’S RESTAURANT. 

This is just beyond the depot, in fact, on the 
railroad platform. At all hours meals are served 
on the European plan, and everybody who has 
tested them says that Chandler Lane’s chowders 
are charming, and his creams cool and consoling. 

OCEAN HOUSE.* 

John Lindsey, for five years proprietor of the 
Fabyan House, White Mountains, assumed the man¬ 
agement of this house two years ago, and it has 
acquired great popularity under his control. He is 
still the proprietor, and the house, which accommo¬ 
dates four hundred guests, is kept with great care 
and "especial attention to the comfort of patrons. 
Mr. Lindsey is also proprietor of the Preble House, 
Portland, and the Lake Auburn Spring Hotel, 
North Auburn, Maine. 


102 


SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 


THE OLD ORCHARD HOUSE.* 

This hotel, which was erected in 1876, stands 
upon the spot where once was the residence of Rev. 
John Fairfield, first minister of Saco. It is on an 
eminence commanding a full view of the whole 
beach and the surrounding country. It has accom¬ 
modations for five hundred guests, and is a perfect 
house in all its appointments. E. C. Staples, the 
pioneer of modem hotel business, is the proprietor. 

PLEASANT HOUSE.* 

This house, in location, construction, and man¬ 
agement, is all that the name implies. The owner 
and manager, Mrs. Sarah D. Moulton, by a careful 
and judicious control of her household, gives it the 
charm of a cheerful and Pleasant Home. 

ST. CLOUD.* 

This house takes its name from the celebrated 
French palace built near Paris in the sixteenth 
centurj 7 . It has been enlarged to meet the demands 
of its numerous Canadian and American guests, and 
now accommodates about two hundred. It is sur¬ 
rounded by piazzas which face the ocean, and guests 
can step directly from the bathing-rooms into the 
surf. The proprietress, Mrs. E. Manson, labors to 
give her patrons a cheerful home; and should the 
popularity of this house increase in years to come 
as it has in the seven years since it was opened, it 
will become as distinguished as the foreign chateau 
whose name it bears. 


HOTEL DIRECTORY. 


103 


SEA-SHORE HOUSE.* 

This is new and attractive, with facilities for 
entertaining two hundred guests. It stands upon 
the beach close to the ocean — literally “upon the 
sand ” ; but the proprietor, F. G. Staples, with more 
wisdom than the foolish man in the parable, has 
made his “ foundation sure.” His numerous guests 
enjoy the grandeur of the situation, and bathe in 
the rolling breakers that come beating at the door. 
The rooms are all so located that from them there 
is a pleasing ocean prospect, and the table is sup¬ 
plied with all the luxuries of the season. 


Besides the principal hotels which are especially 
mentioned, there are at Old Orchard more than 
thirty hotels and boarding-houses worthy of public 
patronage, and those who seek rest and recreation 
at this beach can alwa} 7 s find ample accommodations. 

HOTELS AT PINE POINT. 

LEAVITT HOUSE. 

In 1873 Aaron F. Leavitt, the present proprietor 
of this hotel, commenced, in a small way, to enter¬ 
tain guests at this place, and his increasing popular¬ 
ity has compelled him to erect this structure during 
the present summer. It stands in a romantic pine 
forest within a few rods of the ocean, and less than 



104 SHORES OF SACO BAY, MAINE. 

half a mile from the Boston and Maine Depot. 
A livery and boarding stable is under the manage¬ 
ment ; also bowling-alleys, tents, arbors, and tables, 
for the accommodation of transient company and 
picnic parties. No pains is spared to make this 
house a delightful summer home, and Pine Point a 
pleasing and popular resort. 

Means of Access. — Pine Point is reached from 
Pine Point Station on the Boston and Maine Rail¬ 
road. The Leavitt House is half a mile from the 
station. A post-office is here. 

PROUT’S NECK HOTELS. 

There are several hotels and boarding-houses at 
this place. The Checkley House, under the man¬ 
agement of Mr. Ira C. Foss, stands at the south¬ 
eastern end of the Neck, near the ocean, in a charm¬ 
ing spot; and the 

WEST POINT HOUSE, 

on the west point of the Neck, has accommodations 
for seventy-five guests, and is kept in the most 
thorough manner by Thomas J. Libby. The loca¬ 
tion of this house is most lovely. It overlooks the 
ocean, the islands, and the distant shores of Old 
Orchard and Pine Point. The proprietor is one of 
those jovial landlords who studies carefully the wants 
of his patrons, and makes his house popular. He 
has a large tract of land on the Neck, which he offers 
on reasonable terms to those who wish to erect sub- 


HOTEL DIRECTORY. 


105 


stantial summer cottages. One elegant cottage has 
been built this year; and as the place is one of great 
natural beauty, doubtless Mr. Libby will see a cot¬ 
tage settlement grow up around him in a few years. 
Those who once visit Prout’s Neck will ever be im¬ 
pressed with the grandeur and loveliness of the 
place. 

Means of Access. — Prout’s Neck can be reached 
by the Eastern Railroad from Oak Hill Station, 
distance five miles; or from the Boston and Maine 
Railroad at Scarborough Station, distance four miles. 
Mr. Libby, who resides near the station, furnishes 
comfortable carriages for the transportation of pas¬ 
sengers. “ Oak Hill, Maine,” is the post-office ad¬ 
dress for Prout’s Neck. 















BIDDE FORD HOUSE, 

BIDDEFORD, ME. 


Fred Yates, .... Proprietor. 

Accommodates 200 Guests. 

This house, under the present management, receives the highest com¬ 
mendations of the travelling public. 

(See Hotel Directory, Chapter IX.) 





























































































SACO HOUSE, 


SACO, ME. 



L. P. True, 


. . Proprietor. 


Those visiting Saco, for business or pleasure, will find this the right 
hotel to patronize. (See Hotel Directory, Chapter IX.) 








































































































































































































TREMONT HOUSE 


CORNER TREMONT AND BEACON STS., 
BOSTON. 



Silas Gurney & Co., Proprietors. 


No hotel has had a more extensive popularity than the 
Tremont House. It has received the patronage of the 
most distinguished American and foreign guests, and all 
have spoken of it in terms of highest commendation. 

It is central^ located, street cars pass to all the rail¬ 
road depots and the suburbs. To those visiting the city 
this house is most easy of access. 












PREBLE HOUSE, 


PORTLAND, MAINE. 


John Lindsey, Proprietor. 


This hotel, once the mansion of Commodore 
Preble, has ever been a popular house with all vis¬ 
itors to the city. 

It has been remodelled, and refurnished during 
the past winter, and now, for the entertainment of 
guests, has every facility that can be found in a first- 
class city hotel. 

The location on Congress Street is most central. 

Horse-cars to the suburbs, pass the door. 

Those visiting the city for business, or sojourning 
there for pleasure excursions among the picturesque 
islands of Portland harbor, will find this a con¬ 
venient home. 








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